In its report investigating the links between social media and youth violence, the Youth Select Committee highlights how the Online Safety Act – in the process of being implemented – does not go far enough.
The group of 14- to 19- year-olds recommends further incentivising social media companies to develop safer online spaces, rather than banning young people from social media.
Regulation could include creating an online safety rating system and annual government reports to Parliament on how the legislation is working, it says.
“It is vital that the government and local agencies target the needs of those most at risk of engaging in youth violence,” said another key recommendation to government.
To this end, it wants to see dedicated funding for local authorities to pursue multi-agency approaches to youth violence, and conduct a rapid evaluation of violence reduction units, focusing on outcomes they have achieved.
The government should also publish a timeline of the Young Futures programme, with details of milestones, intended outcomes, and how it plans to evaluate their effectiveness.
In addition, it should work with local authorities on a universal youth work offer for young people, as well as build online safety and youth violence literacy into the National Curriculum.
The report also urges the government to involve young people in every stage of policy development that affects them, and to “clearly outline how it engages with young people, especially those from marginalised groups, on issues like youth violence and social media”.
The inquiry examined written evidence from young people across the UK and questioned expert individuals, youth organisations and politicians from inside House of Commons committee rooms.
Their report will now be sent to the Government for an official response following its launch at a House of Commons reception, attended by political and charity representatives.
Committee chair Wania Eshaal Ahmad said: “The inquiry has made one thing clear, that social media companies should do more to protect young people from violent and harmful content.
“The committee believes that a social media ban, like in Australia, is neither practical nor effective.
"Instead, tech companies must be held accountable. Media literacy must be prioritised so young people can protect themselves and distinguish fact from fiction.
"Most importantly, young people’s voices must be at the heart of this conversation — their experiences and creative solutions are vital to shaping real change.
“Our report is more than just words on a page, it is a call to action.”
Deputy chair Zafeera Karim added: “We hope policymakers will recognise the urgency of this issue and take forward these proposals not as possibilities, but as responsibilities owed to the young people of this country, to build a safer and more supportive future for all.”
