Giving Ipswich’s Young People More Opportunities, Less Scrolling

This week, I was pleased to welcome Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England, to Ipswich as part of her nationwide "Big Future" project, which is gathering the views of one million children and young people about their hopes, concerns and aspirations for the future. 

Dame Rachel and I met students from Northgate High School to discuss the issues that matter most to them. As usual, they were a huge credit to themselves, their families and our town, speaking thoughtfully and confidently about their experiences and ambitions. 

The Commissioner also visited Portman Road, where she joined pupils from St Matthew's Church of England Primary School for sessions delivered by the brilliant Ipswich Town Foundation. The Foundation does outstanding work helping young people build confidence, resilience and life skills through sport. 

The young people then took part in a question-and-answer session with Dame Rachel and I, and we were joined by Ipswich's own Fabio Wardley. Despite his success on the world stage, he remains a fantastic ambassador for our town and a real inspiration to young people. 

One issue that came up repeatedly was social media and its impact on young people. 

That conversation comes at a significant moment. This week, our Government announced plans to protect children by banning social media platforms from offering services to under-16s, alongside wider protections to tackle harmful online content and features. 

Since the start of 2026, I have received 291 emails from parents and teachers about social media and smartphone use. All bar one were in favour of a ban. 

The message I hear is consistent. Parents feel under pressure to allow their children to use social media because they worry about exclusion. Teachers highlight how online disputes spill over into classrooms, disrupting learning and relationships. Schools and mental health professionals also raise concerns about the impact of constant digital stimulation on children’s wellbeing. 

That is why I welcome our Government’s action to create clearer boundaries and stronger protections for children online, but I know keeping children safe online must go hand in hand with giving them more opportunities offline too. 

If we are asking young people to spend less time scrolling, we must make sure they have more opportunities to play sport, take part in music and culture, volunteer, develop skills and spend time with friends in safe, positive environments. 

That is exactly why I have made improving opportunities for young people one of my priorities as Ipswich's MP. 

Ipswich played a leading role in shaping our Government's new National Youth Strategy. As the UK's first Town of Youth Social Action, we have a proud record of empowering young people to make a difference in their communities. 

Backed by £500 million of Government investment, the National Youth Strategy will create new youth facilities, support youth organisations and train more youth workers, giving young people greater opportunities, stronger support and a genuine voice in shaping the future. 

We are also seeing real investment in the facilities and support available to young people locally. Work is now underway on the new 4YP Youth Hub at Regatta Quay.

Thanks to more than £1 million of funding provided by the Labour-led Ipswich Borough Council, this state-of-the-art facility will provide a safe, welcoming space where young people can access support, counselling, youth work services and opportunities to build confidence and skills.  

When coupled with £41.5 million in Pride in Place Government funding, there are incredibly exciting opportunities for young people, especially in Stoke Park and Chantry, and Whitehouse. 

Whether through The Big Future survey, the National Youth Strategy, the new 4YP Youth Hub, Pride in Place investment or stronger online protections, the common thread is clear: giving young people a real voice, backing their ambitions and creating the conditions for them to thrive. Ipswich’s young people are talented, thoughtful and full of potential, and this week they showed why investing in their future is one of the best things we can do for our town.