Volunteering Matters was proud to support one of the biggest conversations the Government has ever held with children and young people about life online.

Working alongside UK Youth, Savanta and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology through the #iWill Movement, we helped create opportunities for young people to share their views and experiences. More than 116,000 responses were received from young people, parents, carers and experts across the UK.

Yesterday’s announcement follows an important national conversation about the role social media, technology and digital platforms play in young people’s lives. While policy decisions are for Government to make, we are pleased that young people were given a chance to help shape the discussion.

Throughout the consultation, young people told us about the importance of feeling connected, having trusted adults and friends around them and having opportunities to take part in activities both online and offline. They highlighted how important strong communities and positive relationships are to their wellbeing.

At the same time, young people recognised that the online world can be a powerful force for good. For many, digital spaces provide opportunities to connect with others, access information, build communities, express themselves and take part in social action they may not otherwise have been able to access. As changes are introduced, it will be important to consider how we continue to create inclusive opportunities for all young people, particularly those for whom the online world has opened doors, reduced barriers and enabled participation that might otherwise have been out of reach.

As these changes are introduced, it is important that young people continue to be involved in conversations about the future of the online world. Decisions about young people should include young people, and their experiences should help shape future policies.

We know that supporting young people’s wellbeing is about more than online safety. Young people need opportunities to volunteer, take social action, develop new skills and make a difference in their communities. These experiences help build confidence, create friendships and give young people a sense of purpose and belonging.

At a time when many young people are facing increasing pressures, we need more opportunities for them to shape their communities, influence decisions and create positive change, not fewer. It is positive to see the Government recognise the importance of youth participation, volunteering and community engagement. The next step is making sure young people have real opportunities to get involved, build connections and play an active role in shaping the places where they live, whether that is in person, online or through a combination of both.

The voices of young people throughout this consultation were clear: they want to be listened to, trusted and included. As the conversation continues, we must ensure that their experiences, insights and ideas remain at the heart of decisions that affect their lives.