‘All they need to hear is a ‘ping’ and their concentration is completely gone’
People in Beverley seem to support the ban(Image: PA)
People in Beverley have given their view on calls for under 16s to be banned from social media platforms. The MP for the area, Graham Stuart, recently set up a survey on the issue after hearing of concern from members of the public.
After responses to the Conservative MP’s survey overwhelmingly supported a ban, we decided to go to Beverley to see for ourselves what people thought. We headed to Flemingate to speak to locals.
Christine and Anne said they had both signed petitions calling for under-16s to be banned from social media. They both saw social media is being the root of many issues young people face. Christine described media social as being “like a drug,” adding that it is also an issue for many adults.
Silvia, also shopping in Flemingate, said she was very concerned about kids on social media. She suggested that schools should take phones off students during lessons. “In an emergency, parents can contact the school,” she said. When discussing a social media ban, Silvia added: “If it saves one child’s life, it’s worth it.”
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Rather handily, we bumped into Joe who teaches at East Riding College. He said social media, when used correctly, can be really useful but he finds students are often distracted by their phones.
“I struggle when teaching to keep them off their phones, all they need to hear is a ‘ping’ and their concentration is completely gone. It ruins lessons,” he said.
Two mothers, who did not want to be named, both shared concerns over how social media could impact their children. One raised concerns over her niece being in “out of control” WhatsApp groups.
Both shared concerns over a peer pressure element. Whilst they wouldn’t want their kids on social media, they feared making them feel left out. “You’re damned if you do damned if you don’t”, one said.”
Mike, who was with his granddaughter also agreed with a ban. “It’s a really good idea,” he said, adding “kids can too easily access things they shouldn’t do.”
Earlier this year, the Government launched a consultation on banning social media for under-16s. Australia became the first country to implement such a ban in late 2025 in efforts to make children safer. A number of European countries such as Spain and France have since announced plans to follow suit.
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