Parliamentarians hear directly from digital creators to understand how their content gives young people access to opportunities to learn new skills against a backdrop of a potential social media ban for under-16s

The Digital Creators All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) met today with content creators. The purpose: for Parliamentarians to hear directly from digital creators and understand how their content gives young people access to opportunities to learn new skills and develop a wide-range of hobbies, including often expensive extra-curricular activities like learning an instrument, coding, and sport.

In the second of three evidence sessions, Parliamentarians, including Feryal Clark, Lord Vaizey of Didcot, Rosie Wrighting, Chris Curtis and Dawn Butler, heard directly from Kim Dave Designs, Temi Danso and other creators who teach young people crafting, sporting and musical skills through their content. 

Parliamentarians heard directly from creators about barriers like cost-of-living, geography, family circumstances in relation to extra-curricular activities and how these issues can be mitigated through online communities following a specific hobby. 

The session heard how there are a lot of creators making content about non-digital past times which can spark an interest for young people which then develops offline. 

Young people can build an interest in creative past-times and engagement with this content aids self-expression and wellbeing.

Creators shared their fears for the potential consequences of restricting access to this content for under-16s.

Digital Creators' APPG Inquiry

The Digital Creators All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is conducting a time-limited Inquiry into how young people are engaging with digital content creators who produce high-quality youth content.

The inquiry explores key considerations within the UK Government’s consultation on social media, including examining the potential consequences of a statutory under-16s social media ban.

Digital Creators’ APPG

IMTB is co-secretariat to the Digital Creators’ APPG. Co-chaired by Feryal Clark and Lord Vaizey of Didcot the group was formed to champion the digital creator economy and advocate for content creators as a profession in recognition of their profound economic and cultural contributions across the UK. 

The APPG works to remove barriers to growth, helping all UK creators reach their full potential.