Political opinion with Alison Bennett MP: Talking social media with Oathall School Captains

Social media use among young people has been a major topic of conversation over the past few weeks. Many constituents have been in touch to share their views, with some calling for a blanket ban for under-16s, while others argue that a more nuanced approach is needed. One thing is clear: we all have a responsibility to make the online world safer for children, young people and adults alike, and to be more conscious of how much time we spend on our screens.

This issue came up again during a recent constituency visit to Oathall Community College, where I met with some of the school captains. Alongside discussions about my role as an MP and their experiences of growing up in Mid Sussex, the conversation quickly turned to social media. These engaged students were well aware of the negative aspects of the online world and the need to reduce screen time, but many were sceptical about an outright ban for under-16s. This was especially obvious when they reflected on how heavily the adults in their lives rely on social media themselves.

It was refreshing to hear their honesty, and I found myself agreeing with them. While government action has an important role to play, parents and carers also need to reflect on our own habits. If we want young people to develop a healthier relationship with technology, we must be prepared to lead by example.

There was a great deal happening at Oathall that Friday afternoon, from science experiments and textiles classes to farming activities. Mr Houghton kindly showed me around the school farm and spoke about the positive impact that working outdoors and caring for animals has had on many students — not only those at Oathall, but also pupils from other local schools who visit. The school even offers a BTEC in Animal Care, enabling students who thrive in this hands-on environment to turn their passion into a qualification that will serve them well in the future.

Students at Oathall are keen to have their voices heard, confident in sharing their own experiences and want to learn more about how they are represented. They are a credit to their school and our community.