Creators call for educational content carve-out in under-16 social media debate

A parliamentary group representing UK creators has urged the government to distinguish educational content from social media platforms, warning that broad measures could unintentionally limit access to learning resources and online communities.

The recommendation forms part of a new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Digital Creators, published in response to the government's consultation on children's online safety.

The report argues that policymakers should differentiate between social networking services and creator-led video platforms when considering future regulation, saying millions of young people use creator content to learn new skills and access educational resources.

The debate about children's use of social media has intensified in recent months, fuelled by growing pressure from parents and campaigners over its effects on young people's wellbeing.

Australia became the first country to require platforms to block users under 16 from opening accounts last year, a move being closely watched internationally. Spain and Indonesia have since announced similar restrictions, while the UK government is considering a range of measures following its own consultation on children's online experiences, which closed on 26 May.

"The debate around children's online safety is critical, and it must be properly informed," said Lord Ed Vaizey, co-chair of the APPG. "We cannot legislate effectively without understanding what we would be restricting, and who would bear the consequences. High-quality creator-led video content is a valuable resource; it isn't social media. That difference is crucial."

The APPG's inquiry heard evidence from creators working across education, sport, music, fashion and farming.

Feryal Clark MP, co-chair of the APPG, said creators were producing content that "educates, entertains, builds community and supports wellbeing."

Education creator Tom Crawford told the inquiry he had seen firsthand the consequences a broad restriction could have, citing a student who had relied entirely on educational creator content after being severely bullied at school.

Creators and policy

The APPG itself has its roots in an earlier YouTube initiative. In July 2025, YouTube published the findings of its UK Creator Consultation – a survey of nearly 10,000 creators conducted in partnership with research firm Public First – which found that YouTube's creative ecosystem contributed more than £2.2 billion to UK GDP and supported more than 45,000 jobs, but that creators lacked formal recognition and support. The APPG was formed two months later at the YouTube Festival. 

YouTube has since expanded the initiative, launching a consultation across all 27 EU member states last week. It is designed to gather feedback on the barriers creators face when building businesses and growing their careers, with findings to be shared with policymakers in Brussels later this year.

David Wheeldon, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at YouTube EMEA, said the consultation would help identify what support creators need to grow their businesses and contribute more broadly to Europe's creative industries.

"We will compile this feedback into a comprehensive, data-driven report for policymakers, and in the Autumn, provide a clear roadmap for building a more supportive environment for Europe's creators," he said.