Young people need safer digital spaces, not simple bans

At YMCA South Midlands, we believe every young person should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. Through our work, we see every day how central the digital world is to young people’s lives – both as a space for connection and opportunity, and a place where risks are increasingly present.

The scale of these challenges is significant. Most young people are online daily, with many experiencing online bullying or exposure to harmful content. Around one in five children experience online bullying (according to the Office of national Statistics (ONS), and higher levels of social media use are linked to increased risks to mental health and wellbeing.

We share the ambition to create safer environments for young people and are pleased that the government is taking action. However, we are concerned that a blanket ban on social media for under‑16s risks oversimplifying a complex issue. For many young people – particularly those who may feel isolated in their offline lives – online spaces can offer connection, belonging, and access to support.

We are concerned that restricting access could unintentionally push young people into less visible or less regulated online spaces, where risks may increase and opportunities to seek help may be reduced.

At YMCA South Midlands, we believe the responsibility for keeping young people safe online must sit first and foremost with technology companies. Too many platforms continue to prioritise engagement over wellbeing. There must be stronger accountability to ensure platforms are safe by design, with effective safeguards that prevent harmful content and protect young users.

We also believe young people must be part of shaping the solutions that affect them. Supporting them to develop digital resilience, confidence and healthy online habits is essential to helping them navigate the modern world safely.

At YMCA South Midlands, we remain committed to supporting young people across our communities to thrive – building resilience, developing their voice, and creating positive relationships both online and offline.

Creating a safer digital world means working alongside young people – not simply limiting them – and holding those who design online platforms accountable for the environments they create.