Island residents in favour of social media ban for under 16s

'Quick poll' shows support for UK style restrictions

Sixty-two percent of people surveyed in a new ‘quick poll’ by Island Global Research say they're in favour of banning social media for under 16s.

It follows the UK’s decision to ban young people from accessing apps including Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.

Legislation is set to come into force there next year.

The poll - which asked the question: “Do you think the social media ban for under 16s should be introduced in your island?” - was carried out between 17-22 June.

It was also conducted in Guernsey, Jersey and Gibraltar and was open to people aged 16 and over.

On the Isle of Man there were 619 people who completed it:

• 62% answered yes 
• 31% answered no
• 7% were unsure

Thirty seven percent of respondents said their children, under the age of 10, use social media and 93 percent said their children aged between 10 and 15 use it.

In the House of Keys yesterday (23 June) the chief minister confirmed there’s going to be a public consultation so that government can hear from those who would be affected.

However Alfred Cannan warned that it is unlikely to take place ahead of September’s General Election.

You can find out more HERE.

Speaking after the sitting Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper told Manx Radio careful consideration is needed about the impact any ban would have:

Mr Hooper is seeking re-election in September’s General Election - the other candidate who has declared in Ramsey so far is Juan McGuinness.