Majority of young people think social media should be banned for under-16s

According to a survey, two-thirds of young adults in the United Kingdom are of the opinion that social media should be banned for under-16s.

In the British Youth People’s Survey, more than 2000 people between the ages of 16 and 29 were questioned about their attitudes and priorities that cover topics such as toxic masculinity, democracy, job security and immigration.

About 67 percent of respondents believe that social media should be banned for under-16s. The same proportion said that toxic masculinity becomes more frequent, according to the survey performed by the John Smith Center (JSC) of the University of Glasgow.

It has been found that young people are ‘concerned’ about the state of democracy in the United Kingdom. The questioning democracy over dictatorship by 57 percent to 27 percent, but 63 percent believes it is ‘in trouble’ and that almost three -quarters (72 percent) said it became ‘too divided’.

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More than half (51 percent) believe that immigration has changed communities for the better, while nearly 73 percent said they believe that racism is an ‘important matter’ in the UK.

Meanwhile, more than a third (36 percent) of respondents have said that they want politicians to be ‘more open and honest’, and 27 percent want to see more young people in leadership roles.

Dr Elisabeth Loose, who led the recording, said: ‘Young people are undoubtedly concerned about the future of the UK and they are concerned about the state of democracy.

“What young people from politics want, the answer is a more open, honest political culture that provides answers to their basic needs. It is a generation that thinks that we are politically divided and wants politicians to come up with deliverable solutions.”

Issues regarding money and work have been designated as the most important contributors to anxiety and nervousness, young people said. Financial concerns (37 percent), work pressure (23 percent) and job security or unemployment (20 percent) are most commonly cited.

But nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of the young people say they are optimistic about their future and almost three-quarters (72 percent) describe themselves as’ or very happy ”.

Dr Loose added: “Our poll makes it clear that young people are positive, they support our democratic heritage and many want to play a role in it – if they just have the opportunity to do so.”

James Kanagasooriam, chief research officer of the polling firm Focaldata, said the results show that the 16 to 29-year-old is highly heterodox.

The poll shows that the “old narrative of a monolithic” generation war “becomes young people against all older people,” Mr. Kanagas overiam said.

‘In fact, the differences in the youth generation by class, education, gender, ethnicity and region are often more clear than the differences between generations.

“These patterns challenge any simple characterization of Gen Z-they are largely independent, unexpectedly energetic in the conservative flank and are more willing to participate in civilian life than society often adopts.”

Young men tend to be more wing than young women, but most sit in the middle ground, the poll found.

Those who are in work or with a degree are more optimistic and engaged than those who are long -term unemployed or less well trained.

The poll was conducted by the JSC in partnership with Pollster Focaldata and was sponsored by the Nationwide Building Society. Fieldwork was performed between February 4-12, with a total of 2,039 people of 16-29 years being questioned.