Adrian Ramsay MP seeks young people’s views on proposed social media ban.

Adrian Ramsay MP seeks young people’s views on proposed social media ban.

Adrian Ramsay, Green Party MP for Waveney Valley, has visited two secondary schools in his constituency to speak with young people and teachers about the proposed social media ban. 

Speaking after both forums, Adrian said

“Access to social media for children and teenagers has been a constant topic of discussion in recent months. We all recognise the substantial risks, but we should also acknowledge the benefits of social media.

“I’ve received many welcome emails from parents expressing their views and concerns. I also felt it was important to hear directly from young people and teachers. Over the past few weeks, I have met with secondary school pupils and teachers at Harleston Sancroft and Hartismere School to hear their views and experiences.

“There was a range of views, but overall, the feeling was that there needs to be far stronger restrictions on the content that the tech firms allow on their platforms to ensure we keep young people safe online. Age restrictions need to be put in place which correspond with the content on each platform. Phones need to be set up so that a responsible adult always has control over a phone used by an under-16. And stronger resourcing of social services is needed to support those young people who are becoming vulnerable to online harms.

“These responses reinforce my own feelings on the topic, as an MP and as a parent, that it’s probably not a case of there being a total ban or not but about what restrictions are needed to keep young people safe and what is the right age for different apps. I will be responding to the Government consultation informed by these helpful discussions and will carefully follow the outcomes of the Government consultation which must inform the debate.”

Teachers who attended the roundtables also shared their perspectives, noting that, from a safeguarding standpoint, 

“The majority of what we are dealing with as safeguarding leads is via social media.”

Students also had their say. One who is supportive of a ban said, 

“Whilst scrolling through short-form media my phone picks up inappropriate content and restricts me from seeing it. Although scrolling is addictive, you do learn about other people’s lives.”

Others highlighted the need for balance, with one stating, 

“There are games where you can make friends without insecurities, but there should also be a balance (on usage)”.

Teachers also recognised some of the benefits of social media, saying, 

“Pupils gain more knowledge and power, better communication skills, especially for those with neurodivergence. [They can] gain more confidence socially via chatting online than they might get from family and friends.”

ENDS