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Press card under 18: options for young reporters

The FJA press card is only issued to adults aged 18 or over – without exceptions, even with a parent’s consent. Young people who want to report have better options: school and college media, youth journalism charities such as Headliners, and newspaper schemes such as the Young Reporter Scheme.

We take this rule seriously because a press card can bring young people into situations – protests, incidents, crowded events – where adults are responsible for their own safety. This page shows how teenagers can get real journalistic experience safely, and what they can do from their 18th birthday.

Youth journalism options Requirements from 18

At a glance

Minimum age: 18, no exceptions
Parental consent: Does not change the age limit
Alternatives: School media, youth journalism charities, newspaper schemes
From 18: Apply for the FJA card if you publish regularly

Why there is no press card for under-18s

Safety and responsibility come first.

A press card signals to police, stewards and organisers that the holder is a working journalist who takes responsibility for their own conduct. Many situations where journalists use cards – demonstrations, accidents, late-night events – are not suitable for children to attend alone. Contracts for paid products, data protection consent and the use of photos also raise questions that are simpler for adults. That is why we do not issue cards to anyone under 18, and why we decline and refund any order where the date of birth shows an applicant is younger.

Printable “kids’ press passes” sold online are toys or props. They should never be used to look like a real journalist – see make your own press card.

Better options for young reporters

Real journalism experience, with adults who look after you.

School and college media

School newspapers, websites, radio and TV clubs are the classic start. Ask a teacher to set one up if your school has none – it is the safest way to learn reporting.

Headliners

The charity Headliners runs a young journalist programme with free sessions for ages 11–15 and 16–19, where young people report on issues that matter to them.

Young Reporter Scheme

The Young Reporter Scheme, run with Newsquest, is for students aged 14 to 18 in school years 10 to 13 and gives them the chance to write for local news.

Skills you can build before you are 18

Everything that makes a good journalist can be learned early.

Writing short news stories and checking facts
Interviewing classmates, teachers and local people – with permission
Photography and video basics, including asking before you film people

Understanding fairness, accuracy and privacy
Building a small portfolio of published pieces
Finding out about journalism courses – see journalism courses in the UK

Information for parents and teachers

How to support a young reporter.

Encourage young people to report on things close to them – school life, sport, local clubs, the environment. Agree rules for safety: no reporting alone at night, no protests or incidents without an adult, and no publishing photos of other children without permission. For events, contact the organiser in advance; many welcome school media if a teacher or parent accompanies the young reporter. When your child turns 18 and publishes regularly, they can apply for the FJA press card – see student press card.

How young reporters can identify themselves instead

You do not need a press card to introduce yourself professionally.

A letter from your editor or teacher

A short, signed letter on school, club or publication letterhead explains who you are, which outlet you report for and who to contact for questions. Organisers often find this more useful than a card.

Your published work

Links to articles, episodes or videos you have made show that you are serious. Keep them in one simple online portfolio that you can share from your phone.

An adult contact

For interviews and events, give organisers the name and phone number of a responsible adult – a teacher, youth worker or editor – who can confirm the project.

Staying safe as a young reporter

Reporting should be exciting, not risky. These rules help.

Tell a parent, carer or teacher where you are going, whom you are meeting and when you will be back.
Meet interview partners in public places or at your school, never alone in private homes.
Do not share your home address, school timetable or other personal details in published work.
Stay away from violent incidents, large protests and police operations – no story is worth getting hurt.
Think before you publish photos of other young people; ask for their consent and, where needed, their parents’ consent too.
If someone makes you uncomfortable online or offline, stop the contact and talk to a trusted adult.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a press card at 16?

No. The FJA press card is only for people aged 18 or over, without exceptions.

Can my parents apply for me?

No. Parental consent does not change the age limit. Applications with a date of birth under 18 are declined and refunded.

Are kids

No. Printable or novelty press passes for children are toys or props. They do not identify anyone as a journalist.

How can I become a young reporter?

Join or start school media, take part in youth journalism programmes such as Headliners, or apply to schemes like the Young Reporter Scheme.

When can I apply for the FJA press card?

From your 18th birthday, if you publish journalistic work regularly.

Does the NUJ accept under-18s?

NUJ student membership is for students on journalism courses or in NUS-supported student journalism; check the NUJ’s conditions directly.

Can my parent order the press card for me?

No. The FJA press card is issued only to people who are 18 or older and who do journalistic work themselves. Parental consent does not change this. Orders for people under 18 are declined and refunded in full.

I turn 18 soon – can I apply in advance?

Please wait until your 18th birthday. From that day you can apply like anyone else, provided you publish journalistic work regularly. Until then, use the alternatives on this page to build your portfolio.

Are there journalism competitions for young people?

Yes. Schools, newspapers, broadcasters and charities regularly run reporting and writing competitions for young people. Ask your school or local newspaper, and look at the student categories mentioned in our guide to journalism awards.

Can a school buy press cards for its student reporters?

No. We do not issue cards to minors, and we do not issue cards to institutions for distribution. Schools can give their reporters a simple school ID or a signed letter that names the project and a contact teacher.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.