Several charities are considering how they will engage differently with young people in response to the government’s plans to ban certain social media platforms for children aged under 16.
The ban, plans for which were announced this week by the government, is set to prohibit social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X from offering services to under-16s.
Coram, Amnesty International UK and Youth Talk all variously expressed concerns over the ban potentially making it more difficult for charities to engage with younger audiences.
David Barker, chief executive of young people’s counselling charity Youth Talk, said engaging with young people through social media had proved especially helpful for “those who may be reluctant to seek help” from the charity.
“As a result, any restrictions on social media use by under-16s will need to consider how young people continue to access trusted sources of information, advice and support,” he told Civil Society.
“It will be important to ensure that efforts to reduce harm do not inadvertently create additional barriers for young people who may be looking for help.”
Greater emphasis on in-person services
Children’s charity Coram’s social media manager Caitlin Lock told Civil Society that any social media ban “does not remove the need to reach young people, it simply changes where that engagement happens”.
Lock added that “the challenge will be maintaining meaningful connections with young people without increasing barriers to access, particularly for those who may already be harder to reach.
“As audiences become more fragmented, organisations will need to develop multiple routes to provide reliable content, helping young people make informed decisions and access support when they need it.
“Organisations like Coram will need to place greater emphasis on schools, youth services, community networks and family engagement, while exploring alternative digital channels such as search, streaming, gaming and creator-led content and we are updating our activity accordingly.”
Josh Creaser, Amnesty International UK’s senior youth organiser, told Civil Society: “Despite any social media ban, we will keep collaborating with young people and supporting them to go out and be changemakers in the world.
“Through our Children's Human Rights Network, Human Rights Education Programme, and young people running Amnesty clubs in their schools, we reach and support thousands of young people who are taking digital and in-person action for human rights.”
Digital information specialist Madeleine Sugden said: “Charities working with young people, especially around services will need to find other ways to connect.
“It is a good time to do an audit of touch points, to work out the implications of such a big gap of connection opportunities. And to listen to young people in your community to find out what they want.”
