On 27 March 2025, Year 11 student Maximilian, took a bold step in shaping national policy. As a member of the Youth Select Committee, Maximilian presented a crucial report to the UK Government, highlighting the urgent link between youth violence and social media algorithms.
The report, titled Youth Violence and Social Media, is far from just another policy document. It reflects the real experiences of young people across the country. One of its most alarming findings reveals that 1 in 4 young people reported that social media platforms actively suggested violent content to them. According to Maximilian, this issue isn’t just coincidental—it’s driven by algorithms that prioritise engagement over well-being.
However, the Youth Select Committee rejects the idea of banning under-16s from social media, arguing that such an approach is neither practical nor effective. Instead, the report calls for stronger regulation, improved digital literacy, and greater investment in youth services and safe spaces.
“Our message is simple: We’ve done the work. We’ve provided the evidence. Now we need real action,” Maximilian stated.
The report’s key recommendations include:
🔹 Online safety scorecards to hold platforms accountable
🔹 Increased transparency from social media companies
🔹 Training for educators, carers, and parents on digital safety
🔹 Direct collaboration between young people and the government to ensure policies reflect lived experiences
Maximilian emphasised that youth engagement in policymaking must go beyond token representation. Instead, young people should be seen as partners in shaping the policies that affect them.
Together with fellow committee members, Maximilian is proud of what has been achieved—but acknowledges that this is just the beginning. The ball is now in the government’s court to take decisive action to protect young people online.
As social media continues to shape the lives of millions, it is voices like Maximilian’s that are ensuring young people are not just passive participants in the digital world, but active architects of a safer, fairer online future.
