Council leader’s letter encourages reading in light of social media ban

The UK government has announced a social media ban for under-16s which is intended to come in to force by Spring 2027.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council has written to Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, The Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP about this being an ideal opportunity to encourage young people to take up reading.

He has also stressed the value of the Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Literature Festival.

Dear Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, The Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP,

As the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council I write further to the Government’s intention to ban social media use for those under the age of 16. 

We believe in the promise to give children back their childhoods and want every child to have the best start in life and fulfil their potential. This involves less time for scrolling and more time for play and literature.

The ban has led to many discussions around the importance of accessible platforms for sharing ideas and creativity.

In Blackburn with Darwen, we have recently held our 9^th Children’s Literature Festival. The hugely successful festival was founded by award-winning Blackburn author Christina Gabbitas, a proud patron of the Blackburn with Darwen Library Service. Every year, she works closely with the Council’s library team and a host of volunteers to deliver the event.

This year the festival has touched the lives of more than 5,500 children and young people through in person events and workshops. More than 2,000 books were given to children and young people whose families may not have had the means to provide them.

The festival brings together a host of authors and illustrators, who want to create a love for reading in children. This year, that meant that Christina organised a visit from English children’s author and poet Michael Rosen!

In a world where social media dominates as a means of engagement, we must not forget the impact that books and encouragement of reading can have on imagination, empathy, and critical thinking, all of which are fundamental for children in their formative years.

Books, comics and magazines are a great way of connecting children through the stories and pictures. They not only educate but they encourage creativity and an interest in the wider arts and theatre.

Literature provides a safe space for children to explore complex topics and emotions, allowing them to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. At a time when some digital interactions can seem dangerous and shallow, literature offers a deeper sense of connection and depth of character which is imperative for personal development.

The success of our young people’s literature festival means it’s important for us to celebrate the art form and the ability of stories to lift and connect our communities too. In 2027 we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the festival, thanks to Christina.

In the inevitable conversation that will surround how young people can fill the time that becomes available once the social media ban comes into effect, we would urge you to include reading along with sports and any other cultural activities.

If you or any other government minister would like to visit us, meet Christina and some of the young people who have benefited from our literature festival, we would be absolutely delighted to host such a visit.

This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce a generation of young people to the wonders of reading – please take it!