NEWS & BLOGS

Episode 3 of the Open Voice Lab Podcast is now live. The conversation was so rich we’ve released it as a two-parter. Listen now on YouTube (part 1 – part 2) or Spotify (part 1 – part 2). We’re joined by Scott Williams, a youth engagement practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience working directly with young people in the public sector. Scott has spent two decades designing and delivering youth led projects and developing creative engagement methods that genuinely bring

The under-16s social media ban: a moment to reflect on how we reach young people. This morning the Prime Minister announced that social media platforms - including Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X - will be off-limits to under-16s in the UK, with the ban due to come into force by spring 2027. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, along with YouTube Kids, are not included. A mixed response to the social media ban On one level, this is a clear, decisiv

Last week I hosted a coffee morning for the Consultation Institute. We were talking about digital engagement and how to reach beyond the usual voices. The conversation quickly went to digital engagement with young people – something lots of organisations are keen to do. The obvious answer is that many young people are on TikTok. Perfect, that’s the plan then? Well it’s still not quite that simple. Where young people are and how they use social media Let's start with some in