Students from Birmingham schools have delivered a compelling message directly to Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the Government’s proposed social media ban for under-16s. Their resounding plea: hold social media companies accountable instead of punishing young users.
During a visit by Dame Rachel de Souza, England’s children’s commissioner, many pupils acknowledged the problematic nature of social media. They described the content they encounter as addictive, hateful, and often distressing. However, they were clear that children themselves are not to blame for the harmful environment online.
“These platforms are flooded with nude images, hateful speech, and exploitation by bullies — all driven by adults,” the students emphasized. They called on the Government to enforce stronger regulations on social media firms, including robust age verification, proof of identity, and the removal of addictive features like infinite scrolling. They also advocated banning certain chat functions in online games to protect young users.
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While some social media companies are making progress, many students described social media as a “turnoff” due to the prevalence of bullying, inappropriate content, and “judgmental content creators” promoting hate. One 10-year-old characteristically described the landscape as filled with negativity, making the online space increasingly uncomfortable.
A nine-year-old expressed distress at seeing “really disgusting, horrible images,” while others criticized politicians and public figures for using social media to spread division and misinformation. This contributed to a general mistrust of politicians, whom the students viewed as motivated by power and money rather than the public good.
These insights were shared by pupils from Colmore Junior School in Kings Heath and Nishkam Primary and High Schools in Handsworth during Dame Rachel’s national tour for the “Big Future” survey, the largest-ever conversation with children.
Dame Rachel praised the students’ openness and clarity. “They really nailed the key issues,” she said. She acknowledged the challenges children face in reducing their social media use, especially as adults around them often remain glued to their screens. “It’s a big national problem that adults aren’t setting the example,” she said.
Many children didn’t necessarily want a total ban but demanded better protection from social media companies and the Government. Their message to the Prime Minister was clear: “Don’t ban children—ban the companies that are harming us.”
Dame Rachel vowed to support their call. “I would not allow platforms like X/Twitter or others with dangerous, addictive algorithms anywhere near our children,” she said. “The children of Birmingham are telling us this loud and clear.”
Nishkam High School head teacher Gurpreet Kaur, who accompanied the commissioner, expressed pride in the students’ mature input. She personally supports a social media ban for under-16s, highlighting the negative impact it can have on children. Through a virtues-led curriculum and e-safety education, the school empowers pupils and parents to navigate online risks.
Ms Kaur observed that many parents lack the awareness or tools to enforce safe online use at home, especially in non-English speaking communities. Workshops and advice sessions aim to fill this gap, encouraging respect, self-discipline, and making choices for the greater good—values described as “sparks of the divine.”
She also emphasized the need for alternatives to screen time. “Children want youth centres and safe outdoor places to play, build social skills, and interact— not just to be glued to their phones all day,” she said.
As Birmingham’s children speak out, their clear demand is for systemic change that protects their wellbeing without unfairly penalizing their access to digital spaces.