A SOCIAL media survey conducted by MP for Monmouthshire Catherine Fookes reveals strong concern over children’s online safety.

The first results from Catherine Fookes MP’s survey on children and social media have revealed strong concern among parents and residents across Monmouthshire about the impact social media is having on young people.

So far, 81 per cent of respondents said they support banning social media for under- 16s.

The survey also found that 63 per cent of respondents said they are “very concerned” about their children using social media, while only 4.2 per cent said they are “not concerned at all.”

Among the biggest concerns raised were the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, exposure to harmful content, and the addictive nature of online platforms.

Alongside this, many respondents also shared idea about how children can be better protected online, not just through a blanket ban.

“The first results from my survey are very enlightening and show just how strongly people across Monmouthshire feel about this issue. It is very clear to me that people want action to protect our children online,” said Catherine.

“As the UK Government continues to consult on this issue, I will share the findings with Ministers and press strongly that social media should be restricted for young people.”

The survey remains open until April 30, residents can have their say here: forms.gle/VbPP7yWbaYLbEyg87

The UK government is also holding a national consultation which closes on May 26. The consultation is looking at considerations of setting a minimum age for children to access social media, restricting design features which can encourage use, a possible issue causing “doom-scrolling”, better support for parents such as guidance, better parental controls and much more.

The consultation is looking for voices from everyone, there is a version for children and one for parents and carers.