A Fife MP’s survey has revealed the disturbing online experiences of local children - from cyber bullying to being subjected to violent and graphic content.

Melanie Ward’s research has been submitted to the UK Government as part of its consultation on the impact of social media on children.

The Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy MP gathered from more than 160 local school students aged 13 -15, and worked with schools and Fife Council, alongside conversations with teachers and parents from across the constituency.

He report reveals that young people in Fife are frequently exposed to harmful content and interactions online, including cyberbullying, unsolicited messaging from strangers, and violent or graphic material.

A Fife MP’s survey has revealed the disturbing online experiences of local children (Pic: geralt / pixabay)

placeholder image — A Fife MP’s survey has revealed the disturbing online experiences of local children (Pic: geralt / pixabay)

The data is stark. Some 40% said they or someone they know had been bullied, threatened or blackmailed through social media. Nearly one third (31%) had been contacted by someone they did not want to hear from, 71% of whom were strangers. 40% of the school students had received messages that made them uncomfortable.

Perhaps most alarming is what the children said they do not do when these incidents occur. Half (48%) said they would not tell a parent or teacher if a stranger contacted them online or were unsure whether they would (18%).

Ms Ward said: “What this report shows is deeply troubling. Many children in Fife are being bullied, contacted by strangers, and exposed to violent content online and they are often not reporting it to adults. Teachers are witnessing the consequences every day, and parents are crying out for help.

"Children cannot always identify the risks or the harm being done to them. Social media companies are profiting from algorithms designed to make our kids addicted to their products. This cannot go on. My report provides evidence that the UK Government must take decisive action to back parents and teachers.”

Melanie Ward MP with her report outside the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. (Pic: Submitted)

The survey also showed that children could not properly identify the harm being done to them - and they opposed a ban on social media for under 16s.

But Ms Ward argued that they cannot be expected to protect themselves from harms that they do not recognise, and it is up to the adults to step in to prevent the damaging effect that social media is having on our kids.

The survey also got feedback from teachers on the impact the abuse is having in classrooms, with boys using misogynistic language linked to harmful 'manosphere' content viewed online

A local organisation working to tackle violence against women shared concerning reports including of one boy who told his teacher “you’re so ugly, I wouldn’t even rape you.”

Parents echoed these concerns in emails as well as at a meeting for constituents where support for stronger protections was clearly expressed. One parent, herself a teacher, argued that excessive mobile phone and tablet use was linked to a growing number of 16 and 17-year-old students arriving in her classroom with inadequate numeracy and literacy skills.

Ms Ward said: “The results of my survey support the need for a statutory social media ban for under 16s, and for greater responsibility to be placed on social media companies to protect our kids. The Scottish Government should also move to ban mobile phones in schools.”

Since 2024, the Labour MP has campaigned for stronger protections for children online, and met with social media companies, as well as with campaign groups who work to make the case for change.

Her report is now with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. The Government has committed to publishing its response to the consultation before the end of summer this year.