School-age children 'increasingly reluctant to discuss politics on social media'
A new survey of school-age children has highlighted further the growing need for schools to provide support on safe, responsible use of social media, especially when it comes to discussing sensitive social and political topics.
The independent youth news platform Shout Out UK has surveyed 6,259 British youngsters under the age of 18, and found that 78 per cent of them believe that talking about politics on social media will hurt their chances of getting a job in the future, while 15 per cent think it will cause arguments and seven per cent fear being judged for their opinions.
When questioned further, it was indicated that 82 per cent would expect or have already experienced potential employers checking their social media accounts, with 93 per cent feeling they would be judged based on the political views they expressed.
This is because the young generation feel particularly strongly about such issues, partly influenced by a polarised political climate. 74 per cent of those polled said they judged others based on their political views, while 91 per cent identified the Brexit issue as one that has resulted in important political conversations and online debates into turning into 'slanging matches' and arguments.
Matteo Bergamini, founder of Shout Out UK, said: "I think it is massively damaging that so many under 18s believe they'd lose a job opportunity based on their political views.
"While it's a good idea for young people to be aware of what they write on social media, open political debate should be actively encouraged, particularly in the current climate."
The findings underline the need for schools to ensure their pupils are educated on the benefits and risks of maintaining an active social media profile, while also potentially suggesting a need for greater political literacy among school-aged children.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£180 - 200 per day
Location free text
Bovington Camp
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Dorset
Description
Mechanics Lead (4 Week Placement) Bovington, Dorset | November 2026 Start - Apply today or call 01202 558848 and ask for Himaya. The Opportunity Teaching Personnel are seeking a skilled Mechanics L
Reference
HK1164
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£85.51 - 95.00 per day
Location free text
Caerleon
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Newport
Description
Teaching Assistant (ALN/SEN Support) - Secondary School Location: Newport, South Wales Start Date: December 2026 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:00pm (Term Time Only) Contract: Fixed-Term Contr
Reference
LR/CaerleonTA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport Primary & SENAuthor
Newport Primary & SENSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Sheffield
Description
GCSE Tutor – Sheffield (S4) Location: S4, Sheffield Hours: Part-Time, Weekdays During School Hours Pay: £25 - £30 per hour, dependent on experience and qualificationsAbout the Role We are seeking
Reference
6/11GCSE-S4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Newcastle
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Shropshire
Description
Maths and English Tutor – Newcastle (NE9) Location: NE9, Newcastle Hours: Part-Time, Weekdays During School Hours Pay: £25 - £30 per hour, dependent on experience and qualificationsAbout the Role
Reference
6/11MathEng-NE9
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£80k - 85k per year
Location free text
Manchester
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
£300 - £399 per day
£400 - £499 per day
Sector
Secondary
Location
Manchester
Description
Director of Education Standards Location: National (Home-Based) Travel: Regular travel to schools across England Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent Salary: Competitive (Dependent on Experience)Abo
Reference
Director - PS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£130 - 160 per day
Location free text
Bury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Teaching Personnel are currently seeking confident and pro-active individuals to join our team of dedicated Supply Teachers. Our team work flexibly across a number of local client schools in Bury and
Reference
STBUR0611
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester West SecondaryAuthor
Manchester West SecondarySalary
£100 - 180 per day
Location free text
Leicestershire
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Leicestershire
Description
Secondary Teachers & Cover Supervisors Needed for Day-to-Day Supply Work Across Leicestershire! Looking for flexible work that fits around your lifestyle and commitments?Teaching Personnel is see
Reference
CST3LA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Leicester BranchAuthor
Leicester BranchSalary
£100 - 120 per day
Location free text
Loughborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Leicestershire
Description
Secondary School Cover Supervisors – Loughborough | £16–£25 per hourLooking for flexible work that fits around your lifestyle? Whether you're an experienced educator, a university student, a graduate
Reference
LOUGH CS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Leicester BranchAuthor
Leicester BranchSalary
£140 - 170 per day
Location free text
Newcastle upon Tyne
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Secondary
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne
Description
Secondary Supply Teacher Needed in Newcastle Pay- £140-170 a day (dependent on experience) Start Date: ASAPTeaching Personnel is recruiting a qualified teacher for general cover across secondary schoo
Reference
GCTSD2021
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees SecondaryAuthor
Tyne Tees SecondarySalary
£179.04 - 205.00 per day
Location free text
Abergavenny
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£750 - £1,249 per week
Sector
Geography
Location
Monmouthshire
Description
Inspire the next generation of geographers in a thriving secondary school near AbergavennyA welcoming and ambitious secondary school in the Abergavenny area is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable
Reference
lc0511geomomtea
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport Primary & SENAuthor
Newport Primary & SENRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job