ARK, Northern Ireland’s Social Policy Hub, and the Safeguarding Board Northern Ireland would like to invite you to an event to discuss children’s and young people’s online experiences.

‘Screens, Safety and Social Media: What Young People in Northern Ireland Are Telling Us’ will take place on 8^th September from 12.00-15.00 in the Canada Room at Queen’s University Belfast. Registration and Refreshments from 12.00 with the seminar starting at 12.30 sharp.

Children and young people spend increasing amounts of time on the internet and on social media platforms. The 2025 Young Life and Times (YLT) survey asked 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland about their experiences of using social media. How much time do young people spend on average on social media? What platforms do they use? What adverse experiences have they had and who were the perpetrators? How easy or difficult would they find it to seek help and support? All these findings are summarised in a report that will be published at this event.

Professor Michelle Butler, Professor of Criminology at Queen’s University, who has worked with ARK on this study, will present the key findings of the report. We will also hear from Peter Toogood, Deputy Secretary for the Social Care and Public Health Policy Group.

Places for the event are free, but advance registration is required – follow this link:  Screens, Safety and Social Media: What Young People in NI Are Telling Us Tickets, Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 12:00 | Eventbrite