Guernsey poll shows support for social media ban

The majority of people who responded to a poll in Guernsey would back a social media ban for children, according to a market research agency.

The UK has started the process of banning social media for under-16s, with outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying he hoped access by young children would be banned by spring 2027.

The move inspired the poll, which found 63% of the 849 over-16s polled - a small percentage of the population - said yes to a ban, while 30% said no and 7% "didn't know".

Guernsey Home Affairs President Marc Leadbeater previously said the island would consider duplicating any ban, while Education president Paul Montague raised concerns over how to enforce any measures.

The latest recorded population of Guernsey, recorded for December 2023 and published in October 2024, was 64,781.

The poll found 32% of parents said their children under 10 used social media, rising to 80% for children aged 10 to 15.

Lindsay Jefferies, managing director for Island Global Research, which carried out the poll, acknowledged the survey had not been "fully representative".

However, Jefferies said the survey had a "broadly consistent pattern", particularly among those aged 25 and over - with women and parents more likely to be supportive of a ban.

Respondents were asked: "Do you think the social media ban for under 16s – using the same model as the UK and Australia – should be introduced in the Bailiwick of Guernsey?"

Jefferies said many respondents gave context for their vote with comments.

She added: "There is clear agreement that social media poses real risks to children, with concerns centred on mental health, bullying and exposure to harmful content."

Jefferies cited many parents had noted social media use could be "difficult to control" due to "peer pressure", while a ban would help to "level the playing field".

"At the same time, many respondents acknowledged the practical challenges involved, particularly around enforcement, which is widely seen as a significant hurdle," she added.

The poll was open to residents aged 16 and over in Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar between 17-22 June 2026.

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