As reported by the Guardian, as ministers consider tougher restrictions on children’s social media use, the government has unveiled a £132.5m investment aimed at expanding after-school activities in schools across England
The funding is intended to increase access to structured enrichment programmes, which ministers say can support young people’s wellbeing and provide alternatives to spending time online.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of growing debate over children’s use of social media. Among the measures being explored are an Australian-style ban for under-16s, digital curfews and limits on platform features designed to encourage prolonged use. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has previously indicated that a ban remains a possibility.
Government officials argue that greater opportunities for social interaction outside the classroom could help address concerns about loneliness among young people.
To support that case, the Department for Education pointed to research involving more than 14,000 children and teenagers, which found many reported feeling isolated despite being part of the most digitally connected generation.
Schools will also face greater scrutiny of their extracurricular provision. Under the changes, Ofsted inspectors will place increased weight on enrichment activities when judging a school’s personal development offer.
The funding will support a broad range of clubs and programmes, from sport and performing arts to debating and engineering, with ministers hoping the initiative encourages more children to engage in activities beyond the digital world.
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