Received from: NASUWT
Congress notes with deep concern the growing role that social media plays in escalating violence among young people, particularly in relation to knife crime. Online platforms are increasingly used to promote gang rivalries, glamorise violence, and spread fear in communities already suffering from austerity driven cuts to youth services, education, and policing.
Congress believes that social media companies have a responsibility to monitor and remove harmful content that incites or glorifies violence. The failure of tech giants to act swiftly and transparently is putting lives at risk and fuelling a public health crisis.
Congress further notes that the root causes of knife crime, including poverty, inequality, exclusion, and lack of opportunity, must be tackled alongside any action on online content.
Congress calls on the General Council to:
i. campaign for stronger regulation of social media platforms, including mandatory reporting, faster removal of violent content, and meaningful penalties for failure to comply
ii. support trade unions representing workers in tech and content moderation, ensuring that digital safety is a public good, not just a corporate responsibility
iii. lobby for urgent investment in youth services, education, mental health support, and community policing to address the underlying drivers of knife crime
iv. work with community organisations to develop education and outreach initiatives that counter violence, promote digital citizenship, and give young people hope and alternatives.
NASUWT