In response to the governments social media ban: #unmasktheharm
Prime Minister
Disabled young people should not be left out of decisions about the spaces we rely on to connect and take part in society. We believe that the social media ban which was recently announced will harm disabled people.
We are asking the government instead to focus on:
Better funding for youth services, mental health support, and community spaces, paid for by fair taxes on social media companies, with that money ring-fenced to support young people.
Proper digital education, including online safety, digital rights, and how to think critically online.
Stronger rules for tech companies, making them responsible for how their platforms work, and making sure disabled young people are involved in decisions that affect our lives.
Easy read version is available here.
Petition by
Sponsored by
To:
Prime Minister
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing as disabled young people and allies about online safety and the decision to ban social media use for under-16s. We are worried these plans don’t deal with the real causes of online harm and could make disabled young people even more isolated.
For many of us, social media is a lifeline - it’s how we talk to friends, make connections, and feel included. This matters even more because disabled young people often can’t easily access physical spaces like youth centres or community activities. Many of these places aren’t accessible, or they’ve been cut back because of lack of funding. So online spaces are often the main way we socialise and avoid isolation.
Because of this, we’re concerned that restricting access to social media could take away one of the only accessible ways we can connect with others.
We also think there isn’t enough support for young people when it comes to online safety, wellbeing, and dealing with harm online. Disabled people of all ages still face a lot of abuse online, and there isn’t enough being done to stop it or hold people accountable.
We don’t think blocking or restricting access solves these problems. It ignores bigger issues like how platforms are designed and how algorithms push harmful content onto people.
We’re also concerned that social media companies aren’t being held responsible enough. Online harm isn’t just about what users do - it’s also shaped by how platforms are built to keep people scrolling and engaging.
We are asking the government to focus on:
1) Better funding for youth services, mental health support, and community spaces, paid for by fair taxes on social media companies, with that money ring-fenced to support young people.
2) Proper digital education, including online safety, digital rights, and how to think critically online.
3) Stronger rules for tech companies, making them responsible for how their platforms work, and making sure disabled young people are involved in decisions that affect our lives.
Disabled young people should not be left out of decisions about the spaces we rely on to connect and take part in society.
We ask you to listen to our concerns and understand that safety online cannot be solved just by restricting access.
Yours sincerely,
Coventry Youth Activists