Jersey poll shows support for social media ban

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

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 72% of the 839 over-16s polled - a small percentage of the population - in Jersey said yes to a ban, while 23% said no and 5% "don't know".

A former data protection chief has urged Channel Island leaders to take time to fully understand the risks facing children online before following the UK's strategy.

Emma Martins, a data and ethics expert and former commissioner in the islands, said she was "very, very happy indeed that we're talking about it and prioritising it" because it was "long overdue" as debate grows over tighter rules.

Her comments come after the UK announced plans to introduce a ban, with politicians in Guernsey and Jersey "watching closely".

Martins said the issue had quickly become polarising but warned there was no quick fix.

The poll found 33% of parents said their children under 10 used social media, rising to 79% for children aged 10 to 15.

The latest recorded population of Jersey was 104,450 and 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 shown 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 Jersey?"

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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