Hitchin MP to host town conversation on potential social media ban

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

TUESDAY 17th MARCH 2026

 Alistair Strathern, the MP for the Hitchin constituency, is hosting an open forum for local families to share their views to share their views on social media regulation as part of the Government’s national consultation.

The event will run from 6.30-8pm on Monday 30^th March at Walsworth Road Baptist Hall.

Since being elected, Mr Strathern has regularly shared the experiences of parents and young people locally in Parliament as part of his campaigning for tougher protections.

On March 2^nd, the Government launched its national consultation into social media policy for children. It is considering regulating features like autoplay, implementing nighttime curfews for social media and a full ban for under 16s.

Mr Strathern is inviting families to share their perspectives on the changes they’d like to see. The event comes on top of several workshops Mr Strathern has been holding with local schools to hear their perspectives, including at Hitchin Boys, Samuel Whitbread and Pixbrook Academy schools.

Strathern has been a leading MP on online harm, speaking about this issue repeatedly for two years, encouraging social media companies, the Government and Ofcom to go much further to protect young people.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“Speaking to young people and families locally, it’s clear we can do far better when it comes to protecting young people growing up online.

“As the Government launches a national conversation on this, I want to make sure our voices at the heart of getting this right.

“Local stories and experiences have already been so powerful in helping me to make the case for change.

“Alongside my school workshops, this open forum will be an important opportunity for families to share their perspectives and priorities when it comes to online protections.

“From tougher limits to full age bans, the Government has been clear everything is on the table when it comes to keeping our children safe. I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation with local families about the changes we’d like to see.”

Anyone locally can sign up to come to Strathern’s March 30^th event here

You can see the Government consultation on banning social media for under 16s here