Leigh Middleton OBE, CEO of the National Youth Agency responds to the announcement from Government that Social media is to be banned for under-16s.
”As the statutory body for youth work in England, the NYA is unequivocal that young people deserve to be safe, supported and able to thrive - both in their communities and online.
The Government’s announcement of a social media ban for under-16s is an important recognition of the scale and urgency of online harm. It is a significant step that reflects growing concern about the impact of digital spaces on young people’s safety and wellbeing.
We welcome action to strengthen controls on addictive design, including features like livestreaming and harmful AI models - issues that young people themselves have consistently highlighted as needing urgent attention. These measures could play an important role in making the online world safer for young people, while recognising that social media can also offer young people connection, community and support.
At the same time, any ban must be accompanied by wider action if it is to be effective. Where age restrictions are in force in other countries, there is little evidence that young people are any safer, and many already find ways around existing controls. Without stronger accountability for technology companies, effective regulation and proper support for young people, there is a risk that harm is displaced rather than reduced.
The announcement of the £132.5 million ‘Every Child Can’ programme is therefore especially welcome. It has the potential to expand access to enrichment activities and provide the safe places and trusted adults to prepare young people to challenge misinformation and support safe connection across both physical and digital spaces. These activities may be provided outside of school and for young people in alternative education to ensure that they are not further excluded.
Youth work has a vital role to play in this. We must ensure that all young people throughout their adolescence are supported once the ban comes into force. Older teenagers are equally vulnerable to risk at a critical time of forming their identity, becoming independent and making decisions about their futures. These young people also need access to trusted adults who can help them understand and use technology safely, confidently and responsibly.
As the Government takes this forward, we urge Ministers to work directly with young people and those who support them to ensure these measures deliver safe and inclusive digital spaces for our young people. Lasting protection for our young people and the wider population will ultimately come from making online spaces safer, holding technology companies to account, and investing in youth work and digital education that gives every young person the confidence to navigate the digital world safely.”
Leigh Middleton OBEChief Executive, National Youth Agency
