Young people supported by the National Youth Agency (NYA) have taken their concerns about social media harms directly to the Prime Minister, urging Government to adopt stronger safeguards rather than impose a blanket ban.
Teenagers, youth workers, parents, civil society leaders and Ministers from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) gathered at 10 Downing Street today for a listening event as part of the Government’s Growing Up in the Online World consultation, which is expected to shape future regulation of digital platforms.
The Government is facing mounting pressure from politicians and child safety campaigners to enforce a ban on social media use for under‑16s. However, young people involved through the NYA presented a more nuanced picture when asked about their experiences of social media, gaming and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The young people were clear that social media plays an essential role in connection, learning and community, but warned that current safety measures are failing to protect them adequately. Instead of an outright ban, many called for tighter regulation of platform design. Concerns focused on ‘addictive’ features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay, as well as risks linked to AI tools, automatic location sharing and weak age-verification systems.
At the same time, young people emphasised the benefits of digital spaces, particularly for those who are socially isolated or unable to access support or activities in the real world.
”It is fantastic to see young people having a seat at the table and getting their views across on matters which will impact them and generations to come. Being able to sit amongst a group of young people passionately share their views and experiences to government officials showed just how much young people are capable of when they are given a platform to have their voice heard.”
Paul PhillipsDistrict Youth and Community Worker from Essex Youth Service
”I felt so seen and heard because these were important figures, eager to hear what I had to say. I was also reassured that my opinions would shape future laws and decisions. It was absolutely amazing.”
Elizabethaged 15, service user at Essex Youth Service
The NYA believes youth workers play a critical role in helping young people navigate online and digital risks and trusted relationships with youth professionals are essential for delivering effective digital literacy and safeguarding education.
”“We were proud to be invited to Number 10 today to support young people in sharing their views on the future of social media in the UK, and to highlight the vital role youth workers play in helping them stay safe online.
“Through our work, including youth worker-led focus groups as part of the Government’s Growing Up in the Online World consultation, we have ensured that young people from all backgrounds, including those with SEND have a platform to be heard.
“Young people are clear: while social media offers essential opportunities for connection, community and learning, current safety measures are not doing enough to protect them from harm. What they want is not restriction, but effective regulation, including stronger safeguards against addictive and risky features such as infinite scroll, harmful AI models and automatic location sharing.
“We urge the Government to invest in youth work and digital education so that every young person can develop healthy online habits and navigate the digital world safely.”
Abbee McLatchie, Cyfarwyddwr Gwaith Ieuenctid/Dirprwy Brif Swyddog Gweithredol, Asiantaeth Ieuenctid Genedlaethol
The consultation, launched earlier this year amid growing concern over children’s online safety, has attracted more than 45,000 responses and is due to close next week. The Government is expected to publish its findings in the summer.
While no formal policy announcements were made at today’s event, insights from the discussions are expected to inform the Government’s next steps as it considers how best to regulate social media and emerging technologies.
