News and events

Statement on UK social media ban 

We believe everyone should be able access the knowledge, connection, and fun that the online world has to offer. As the online and offline worlds continue to blend, the internet increasingly helps us keep in touch with friends and family, be part of communities, and look up information or learn new skills. 

But social media apps platform misogynistic content that they target at young men and boys through algorithmic recommendations, misogynistic attitudes are rising amongst young men, and girls are experiencing online and offline violence, including boys using AI to make fake videos of their girl classmates where they are naked and performing sexual acts. Some of this violence is being perceived as normal. For example, choking being expected during sex, due to its proliferation in pornography. Aspects of the online world are harming young people, and the UK government is planning to respond by restricting young people’s access to social media – removing them from the benefits the online world brings whilst allowing such extremist misogynistic content to flourish online.  

But a more impactful solution is to put responsibility for online harms where it rightfully belongs and create a safer online environment, whilst also addressing the root cause of misogyny and violence.  We can do this by regulating social media platforms to require them to meaningfully build safety, wellbeing, and accessibility into their design. Such changes would include moderating harmful content, demonetising harmful content, and designing more diverse and less addictive algorithms. The government can invest in national programmes and campaigns that equip people with the skills to think critically, be respectful, and make responsible decisions, such as:  

• Compulsory inclusive Relationship, Sexual Health, and Parenthood education that covers healthy relationships, misogyny, and online harm 

• Digital literacy that increases young people’s critical thinking and supports them to recognise influencers’ financial motivations 

• Prevention programmes that create spaces for boys and young men to explore masculinity, gender, and sex 

The government can require technology companies to design safer platforms, creating a healthier online environment, and invest in equipping children with the skills to engage with content critically and navigate the online world confidently.