MP Claire Hazelgrove, centre, with Debbie Teml, right, met with young people to have their say on social media restrictions
Residents from across the Filton and Bradley Stoke have shared their views on whether children under 16 should face social media restrictions, as part of a wider government consultation on children’s online safety.
The event, held at the Spitfire Hangar at Brabazon on February 28, was organised by local MP Claire Hazelgrove in partnership with the charity FACE (Foundation for Active Community Engagement).
Parents, young people and community representatives attended the morning session, which forms part of Ms Hazelgrove’s regular ‘Coffee with Claire’ meetings.
FACE director Debbie Teml helped lead the discussion, providing statistics and a range of perspectives to frame the conversation for attendees.
Ms Teml said it was “fantastic to see so many people engaging in such an important but complex topic, and for our young people to be part of the conversation”. She added: “They were grateful for the opportunity to meet with their MP and to have a voice in something that directly affects them and future generations. It was inspiring to see young people having the chance to engage with politics on a real and local level.”
Ms Hazelgrove said she is determined to ensure local voices feed into the national debate.
She added: “Thank you to fellow residents who came to this event and contributed so thoughtfully on this together, with every table working to find that right balance between safety and freedoms. I know everyone there appreciated hearing from local young people about their experiences and views, which matter in this so that we can shape the right, realistic approach.
“I’d also like to thank FACE for partnering with me on this event and bringing their expertise.”
She plans to pass feedback from the event — along with responses to an online survey she is running — directly to government ministers ahead of the government’s planned summer response to the consultation.