Social Media Roundtable chaired by Marsha de Cordova MP

A group of Year 7s and 8s were invited by Marsha de Cordova MP to a Social Media Roundtable held at St John Bosco College to discuss the challenges of social media and the potential ban for under 16s. Ms Redman, who was so impressed by our pupils, asked one participant to share her experience of the Roundtable and meeting our local Battersea MP.

Social Media Roundtable By Elizabeth, Year 8

Last Tuesday 15 pupils from Thames Christian School went to a talk with MP Marsha de Cordova about the growing issue of social media use and the possible ban for under 16s. Taking place at St John Bosco College, students from three different schools including TCS came up with a few different and effective ways to approach the ban.

One possible idea was that if a ban was inevitable, then the age should be lowered to 14. Many students thought that this was a good age as it is the time when most teenagers mature and therefore they are able to be trusted with things like social media. Another approach the students came up with was having pouches for school and that monitored phone use was a better option than banning it in total. 

Overall, the students told the MP that a complete ban on social media for under 16s was too extreme, however that they were also open to different bans and restrictions not as impactful as this one. It was a great learning experience for everyone as all students were able to practise talking in front of a large group of people and being able to state your opinions in a way that others could understand. 

The adults as well as the well-respected Member of Parliament were able to view the children's opinions on social media and how they should attend to the issue in a way where the children won’t be negatively affected. Ultimately, the roundtable talk was a brilliant event that revealed children’s and adults’ views on social media as well as bringing together three schools to talk about an important matter.