can i get a contract at 16?

A phone contract is a legally binding contract, and you cannot enter into those by law until you are 18.

As for your family not having good credit ratings, some networks will be more willing to give contracts despite this. Remember, you don't actually have a "credit rating/report" and each company will assess your situation and ability to pay differently.

I think Vodafone and 3 Mobile are the most likely to overlook bad credit history.

If you apply for a contract directly with the network (rather than a 3rd party retailer like Carphone Warehouse), they may be more willing to give you a contract as well.

Another option is to pick a "SIM only" deal. The credit rating will not matter as much for these. They can be cancelled at any point and are usually much cheaper than a normal contract. You will have to buy a phone separately though.

Try and see if anyone in your family is able to get a contract directly from a network like Vodafone, and then you can pay them the money each month.

No, you have to be 18 to get any sort of contract. You won't be able to use the other person's name either - the payment details have to be of the person wanting the contract - basically this is fraud prevention, as using another's name with your card would be fraud.

If you really need a mobile, then your best option would be to save up a couple of months and buy a PAYG phone. You can pick up pretty cheap ones from supermarkets. OK, they are not the latest smartphones, but they do all you need of a phone as in making/recieving calls and texts. Once you are 18 then you can try for a contract phone.

Only if an adult (18 or over) will sign up for it.

You could pay direct out of your account

I think u got to be 18