Chris Elmore MP has submitted the findings of a constituency-wide social media survey to the UK Government as part of its national consultation examining the impact social media is having on children and young people.
Between March and May 2026, residents across Bridgend & Porthcawl were invited to share their views through an online survey hosted on Chris Elmore MP’s website. The findings highlighted significant concern around online safety, harmful content and the impact social media can have on young people’s mental health.
The survey found that 92% of respondents were concerned about the impact social media is having on children and young people, while 75% supported stronger restrictions, including a social media ban for under-16s.
Residents also expressed strong support for a range of measures designed to improve online safety, including better parental controls, stricter enforcement of age limits, more education in schools and increased mental health support for young people.
Key concerns raised by residents included bullying and harassment, exposure to sexual and violent content, body image pressures, misinformation and the addictive design of some social media platforms.
The findings from the Bridgend & Porthcawl survey have now been formally submitted to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology as part of the Government’s “Growing Up in the Online World” consultation.
Chris Elmore MP has long supported stronger online protections for children and young people and has consistently advocated for greater accountability from social media companies since first being elected to Parliament.
Chris Elmore MP said:
“I would like to thank everyone across Bridgend & Porthcawl who took the time to complete my survey and share their views.
“It is clear from the responses that many people are deeply concerned about the impact social media can have on children and young people, particularly around harmful content, online safety and mental health.
“I have now submitted the findings from my constituency survey directly to the UK Government as part of its national consultation process.
“For many years, I have supported stronger protections for children online and greater accountability from social media companies. Technology and social media can bring many benefits, but young people must be able to use these platforms safely.
“I hope the views shared by residents across Bridgend & Porthcawl will help inform future national policy and ensure young people are properly protected online.”