MP for Warwick and Leamington, Matt Western has brought together local students and the Minister for AI & Online Safety, for a talk on the incoming ban on social media for under 16s.

Mr Western was joined by MP Kanishka Narayan last week to discuss the ban, which was announced by Sir Keir Starmer in June 2026.

The ban is expected to come into force in spring 2027.

The former Prime Minister argued the benefits of a ban stating: "I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen."

The ban followed a three-month consultation on how to prepare children for the future in an age of rapid technological change. The Government said it was one of the largest engagement exercises it had undertaken.

The results of the consultation showed a large demand for action, with nine in ten parents backing a social media ban for under‑16s and two-thirds of young people agreeing under-16s should not be allowed to use at least some social media platforms.

Social media companies will be banned from providing their services to under- 16s and under-16s will be prevented from accessing harmful functions on other online services, including gaming services. There will be age checks to enforce these requirements.

Mr Western, who organised the session and arranged for the Minister to speak to students explained: "The social media ban is a generational change and it is crucial that young people can have their voices heard in the process.

"I was delighted that students got the opportunity to discuss the policy directly with a Minister involved in crafting it.

"The students asked thoughtful questions, demonstrating their strong engagement on this important subject matter. I was incredibly proud of them and how they represented themselves, their peers and the constituency.

"It is vital that we engage young people in policy and I'm grateful for the students and their teachers for their time and brilliant participation in this session."

Those under the age of 18 will also be prevented from accessing AI chatbot services that primarily offer sexualised content. Other AI chatbot services will not be able to offer children features that enable sexually explicit or sexual role-playing content.

The students, from Campion School and Myton School in Leamington and Warwick respectively, were able to share with the local MP and Minister their views on the benefits and drawbacks of social media.

Discussions ranged from the risks of being exposed to harmful content on platforms to the benefits of educational content on platforms such as YouTube which have helped students with revision of certain topics.

The Minister answered questions from students on a range of issues, including the lessons the UK Government had learnt from a similar ban the Australian Government introduced in December 2025 how they would ensure educational content is not being restricted.