69% of charities fear under-16 social media restrictions could cut access to support

A Benefact Group survey of 368 charities finds schools, youth services and community organizations could face greater pressure if social platforms become harder to use for reaching vulnerable young people

A Benefact Group survey found 69% of charities are concerned that restricting under-16s’ social media access could make vulnerable young people harder to reach

Nearly seven in 10 charities are concerned that restricting social media access for under-16s could make it harder for vulnerable young people to find support, despite overwhelming backing for stronger protections from online harm.

Research commissioned by Benefact Group found 69% of charities were concerned about unintended consequences from tighter social media restrictions, while 97% supported efforts to protect children online.

The survey covered 368 charities between July 21 and 31, 2026, and was conducted in partnership with Qualtrics.

For organizations already using social platforms to reach younger people, the concern is practical. Just over half, 52%, said they communicate directly with under-16s through social media, including to signpost services and share educational and wellbeing content.

Another 54% said social media plays an important role in making under-16s aware of the support they provide.

One in four charities also reported occasions where social media had enabled them to engage a vulnerable young person who might otherwise not have sought help.

Young people outside school among hardest to reach

Charities were particularly concerned about young people who already sit outside more conventional support networks.

Asked which groups could become harder to reach if access to social media became more restricted, 40% identified young people not in education.

Young people with mental health concerns and children and young people in care were each cited by 38% of respondents, while 33% pointed to those excluded from school.

That could place more responsibility on schools, youth centers, community groups and other face-to-face services if charities lose some of their current online reach.

The survey found 38% of charities expect their costs to increase if social media becomes a less effective route to under-16s.

But replacing that reach may prove difficult. Only 25% said their current funding levels would allow them to replicate the access they currently get through social platforms.

Martin Cosser, CEO and Founder of Charlie’s Promise, says the debate cannot be reduced to whether social media is simply good or bad.

“Social media has become one of the most powerful tools we have for educating, engaging, and reaching young people who may never walk through a charity's doors or turn up to an event. If we take it away without replacing it with something just as effective, we risk making the very young people we're trying to protect even harder to reach.”

He adds: “Any restrictions need to be matched by real investment in schools, youth services, community organisations, and charities. You can't simply close one door and just assume another opens on its own.”

Schools could become a more important route to support

Charities said they were prepared to diversify how they reach young people, including through greater use of schools, community organizations and youth centers.

Benefact Group argues that any restrictions should therefore be accompanied by investment in those alternative networks.

Chris Pitt, Group Impact Director at Benefact Group, says charities broadly support action on online safety but remain concerned about what happens when an existing route to help becomes less accessible.

“Schools, charities and community organisations play a vital role in supporting vulnerable young people and may face additional pressure if social media becomes a less effective route to support. Any changes to how under-16s access online services should be accompanied by investment in alternative support networks to help ensure no young person falls through the cracks.”

He adds: “Social media platforms, policymakers, schools, charities and parents all have a role to play in helping young people stay safe online while maintaining access to trusted sources of information and support.”

Benefact Group, which is owned by Benefact Trust, says it has donated more than £250 million to over 10,000 charities since 2014.

The research does not argue against tighter protections for young people online. Instead, the charities surveyed are asking policymakers to consider how support currently delivered or signposted through social media would be replaced, particularly for young people who may already be difficult for schools and other services to reach.