Wolverhampton MP Hosts Coffee Morning to discuss social media ban for under‑16s

The event, held in the Merry Hill area on Saturday 28 February 2026, focused on the growing concerns among families and educators about the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing, behaviour and safety. Attendees shared first-hand experiences of the challenges young people face online, including inappropriate content, online bullying, sleep disruption and the pressure to stay constantly connected.

Speaking after the event, Warinder Juss MP said: "Parents, teachers and young people themselves are telling us the same thing: social media is shaping childhood in ways we can no longer ignore. Children far younger than the official age limits are accessing platforms that were never designed for them, and families feel overwhelmed by the pressure and risks this creates.

Today’s discussion showed just how urgently we need clearer rules, better safeguards and more support for parents. I am grateful to all the residents who shared their experiences and insight. This feedback will directly inform the national consultation.”

Key concerns raised at the event included:

• Children as young as six accessing social media despite age restrictions

• Increased exposure to harmful or distressing content

• Group chats among primary‑age children leading to bullying, trolling and pressure to stay online

• Algorithm‑driven recommendations exposing young people to inappropriate material

• Behavioural changes in school, including anxiety, tiredness and reduced attention spans

• The heightened impact on children with SEND, who may struggle with self‑regulation or communication

• Challenges for parents trying to monitor online activity or enforce boundaries

Residents also discussed the practicalities of implementing a ban, the responsibility of social media companies to remove under‑age accounts, and the need for strong enforcement to ensure children are protected.

Calls for more youth provision

A consistent theme was the need for positive alternatives to online platforms. Attendees highlighted the importance of youth clubs, community hubs, sports activities and reading initiatives to help young people build healthier habits away from screens.

Next steps

Warinder Juss MP encouraged all local residents to take part in the Government’s consultation, Growing up in the online world: a national consultation, so local voices can shape future legislation.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/growing-up-in-the-online-world-a-national-consultation