Debating the social media ban
Case study overview
VotesforSchools’ VoteTopic activities help children and young people explore current issues, listen to different perspectives and form their own views on important topics. This case study focuses on a January 2026 VoteTopic about proposals to restrict children’s access to social media. The activity gave pupils accessible, age-appropriate information before inviting them to discuss an issue that directly affected their lives. The aim was not only to build understanding and discussion skills, but also to make sure young people’s views were shared with organisations and decision-makers involved in the debate.
How it worked
For the January 2026 VoteTopic, teachers led informed, balanced debates about whether there should be a social media ban for under-16s. Pupils explored different perspectives on the issue before discussing their views and casting their own vote.
The debate and voting took place between 23 and 30 January 2026. Schools and colleges received videos and supporting resources designed to help teachers run the activity with minimal preparation.
Different questions were used for each age group:
- Pupils aged 5–7 discussed: “Should children stop using social media?”
- Pupils aged 7–18 discussed: “Should there be a social media ban for under-16s?”
The resources introduced different perspectives and helped pupils share their opinions, listen to their classmates and reach their own conclusions.
Thousands of children and young people took part, casting 69,746 votes and submitting comments.
An additional activity pack showed pupils how they could take their participation further by responding to the government consultation and contacting their MPs. They also received updates about the proposal as it moved through Parliament, consultation and public trials.
Impact
The results were shared with government departments, regulators, charities and organisations working with children and young people. These included DCMS, DfE, Ofcom, the NSPCC, the Molly Rose Foundation, Shout Out UK, Parentkind, the Anti-Bullying Alliance and the Children’s Commissioner for England.
VotesforSchools also submitted evidence to the government consultation on behalf of participating pupils. This created a direct link between classroom discussion and a wider national decision-making process.
Through the activity, pupils practised expressing an opinion, listening to others, considering different views and thinking critically about evidence. Following the proposal’s progress also helped them see that democratic participation continues after a vote has been cast.
Whatever the final policy decision, pupils could see that their views had been collected, shared and included in the wider conversation.
Key strengths
The subject was highly relevant to young people’s lives, which gave them a clear reason to take part.
Structured, age-appropriate resources helped teachers approach a potentially difficult issue with confidence. Pupils received enough information to discuss the topic meaningfully without being directed towards a particular answer.
Teachers also valued knowing that the results would be shared beyond the classroom:
“The pupils really enjoy discussing their own views and being able to debate in a healthy and controlled way led by the members of staff.”
— Heolddu Comprehensive School
Key learning
- Choose subjects that are relevant to young people and directly affect their lives.
- Provide balanced, age-appropriate resources that require minimal preparation and connect with the curriculum.
- Give teachers the support they need to approach difficult or sensitive issues confidently.
- Collect votes anonymously when sharing results with external organisations.
- Ask stakeholders to respond so young people know what happened after sharing their views.
- Use voting data to contribute to policy discussions, media coverage and wider reviews of pupil voice.
Further information
Take a look at the resources for the social media ban, and read the full data report.
For more information about VoteTopics and classroom resources, contact VotesforSchools.