Funding boost for after-school clubs ahead of expected under-16 social media ban
The government has announced a £132.5 million funding increase for after-school clubs ahead of an expected ban on social media use for under-16s. This investment aims to provide children with engaging activities, develop new skills and keep them busy.
The program will support a range of activities, from bands and engineering clubs to debating societies and football clubs. The Department for Education has confirmed that Ofsted will consider a school’s enrichment offer as part of its personal development assessment.
Ministers hope the funding will directly address findings from the ‘State of the Nation’ survey of more than 14,000 young people. It turns out that young people face the highest levels of isolation today, despite being the most digitally connected generation.
The announcement comes before Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to impose restrictions on children’s use of social media in the coming days. Technology Minister Liz Kendall stated that an ‘Australian-style ban’ was also ‘on the table’, in addition to options such as a curfew or restrictions on addictive features.
Ministers appear to be open to a ban, with 90% of parents backing it in a recent consultation. The consultation, which closed on 26 May, received nearly 120,000 responses, making it the second largest consultation in history.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has also repeatedly called for a ban, telling the BBC earlier this week: “Social media is for adults, not for children.”
Education Minister Bridget Philipson said: “Every child should be able to enjoy sport and the creative arts, not just the lucky few.
“Whether it’s performing on stage, playing sport, exploring nature or getting involved in their community, these experiences build confidence, ignite ambition and help young people discover what they’re capable of.
“As the world around our children continues to move rapidly, investment is about ensuring that the childhood experiences we truly value can be enjoyed once again for every young person, no matter where they live.”
Culture Minister Lisa Nandy said: “I have always made it clear that talent is everywhere but opportunities are not.
“A child who loves the arts does not need to be born in the right postcode to pursue this profession, because we believe that Every Child can be successful in the creative arts.
“By investing in these life-changing opportunities, we are supporting their futures and taking positive action to remove barriers to children and young people accessing the creative opportunities that can open the doors to their long-term careers.”
Responding to the announcement, Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We welcome the intention behind the government’s plans and announced funding for further enrichment in schools and colleges.
“However, as with many other government announcements, there are several questions about the ability of schools and colleges to deliver on these targets.
“Schools and colleges already strive to provide excellent enrichment opportunities for their students, but they must operate under extremely challenging financial and staffing constraints.
“These pressures will not go away just because the government announces new policies. The government needs to focus more on how targets can be turned into reality, especially in areas of high disadvantage where these opportunities are needed most.”
