16 June 2026
The #iWill Movement exists to put young people at the heart of decisions that affect them. That’s why, when the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology commissioned Savanta and the #iWill Movement to engage young people in their consultation on the online world, we threw everything we had at it.
We are incredibly proud of what was achieved. Across seven events in Belfast, Newcastle, Caerphilly, Ipswich, Brighton, Gloucester and Edinburgh, hundreds of young people came together to share their honest, nuanced and thoughtful experiences of growing up online. These weren’t tick-box consultations – they were genuinely youth-led spaces, designed by and for young people, where real conversations happened and real ideas were heard.
None of this would have been possible without our extraordinary Youth Collaborators, who shaped this work from the inside – contributing to the design, delivery and interpretation of findings – and our brilliant #iWill Ambassadors, who volunteered to lead the hacks themselves. Their commitment, creativity and courage throughout this process has been outstanding. We are deeply grateful to every single young person who attended, contributed and trusted us with their experiences.
“Yesterday’s announcement will bring mixed feelings for many, and as a movement, we want to acknowledge that especially for young people. I’m grateful for all the young people from our Join the Chat consultations, our Youth Collaborators, our #iWill Ambassadors, and young people across the country, who have shared so openly and courageously the challenges they face online and the change they want to see. Their voices and lived experiences must remain central as this legislation continues to be developed.
Young people deserve a safe digital environment, and we are committed to making sure their rights, their experiences and their ideas continue to shape what that looks like.”
Molly Taylor, Co-Chair of the #iWill Movement
“This is undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions affecting young people in a generation, and it’s one that comes with real responsibility. Young people must be at the forefront of what comes next, not only as the subject of this legislation, but as equal stakeholders in shaping it. The #iWill Movement is a community where young people can find belonging, advocate for change and be heard. We will be proactive in ensuring that our Ambassadors and Champions under 16 continue to thrive, and we will be watching closely to make sure that investment in young people, including the commitments made through the National Youth Strategy, matches the scale of this moment.”
Henry Hughes DLY, Co-Chair of the #iWill Movement
Young people do not speak with a single voice. Throughout this consultation, we heard a wide range of views, experiences and ideas, reflecting the diversity of young people’s lives. Many of those we engaged with expressed a preference for reform over restriction, calling for better education, smarter platform design and more targeted measures. Whilst some may be encouraged by today’s announcement, many others will have concerns. Importantly, young people were able to contribute openly and honestly to a national conversation about issues that affect them directly. We are committed to ensuring their voices meaningfully shape the discussion as these proposals develop
The government was consulting a wide range of stakeholders throughout this process, weighing the views of young people alongside those of parents, carers, practitioners and a significant body of existing evidence. The consultation attracted tens of thousands of responses. It is also important to note that this legislation is still being developed – and there remains opportunity for young people’s voices to continue to shape how it takes form.
As a movement powered by and for young people, we are reflecting carefully on what this means – particularly for the under-16s who are at the heart of our community. We are determined to find new and creative ways to engage, support and amplify their voices as this landscape continues to change.
Young people’s voices matter – they always will – and we will keep finding ways to make sure they are heard.
