“Swansea backs a ban”: survey shows Swansea favours action in national social media debate

Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, has thanked parents, teachers and young people across Swansea for putting forward their views about how to better protect children growing up in the online world and said there is a clear consensus for action. His comments come as the UK Government consultation, which includes proposals around restricting social media use for under 16s, comes to a close.  

Over the past few months, Mr Bell has been supporting people across Swansea take part in the debate by organising a public meeting and sharing a survey on his website. His office report that the topic has generated the most correspondence from constituents in 2026.  

Earlier this month, community members turned out to a major meeting in Swansea’s Guildhall. At the meeting, residents shared worries about the amount of time children spent glued to screens, and the impact on their mental well-being, as well as hearing from those questioning whether age restrictions on social media could be enforced.   

Overall, Mr Bell said there was an overwhelming consensus for action, with 80% of those who responded to his survey supporting some degree of age-restriction for social media use. Two-thirds of those who took the survey were parents, and a fifth were teachers. In total, over 130 people took part.  

Mr Bell said: 

“It’s been fantastic to see so much engagement from parents and community members across Swansea West. I’d like to thank everyone who wrote to me, turned up to the meeting at the Guildhall, or took the survey on my website for their thoughtful and considered contribution to this debate. Swansea’s voice has been heard loud and clear, and Swansea backs a ban.  

“I will make sure that voice is heard as the consultation ends and the time for action is here, because nothing is more important than the safety and future of our children.”