Northamptonshire pupils learn pros and cons of social media

Pupils from 14 schools across Northamptonshire attended a conference to learn about the positives and negatives of social media.

The 2026 annual For Students By Students conference was organised by pupils at Quinton House School and started in 2023 after a number of knife crime incidents.

Around 240 state and private school pupils met at the Cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens to hear talks from industry experts about social media.

One of the young organisers, Rosie, said they chose the theme of social media this year because "it's incredibly important that we have young people's voices expressed and represented."

'Social media isn't the enemy'

Students who attended the event said it was helpful to show them how to stay safe online and the positives of social media.

"We've heard a lot about the dangers [of] social media but also there's been a lot of focus on the positive side," said George, who goes to school in Northamptonshire.

"[Social media is] a useful tool, we should just educate people how to use it productively and safely." he added.

Student, May, said: "I think social media isn't the enemy, it's the people. It can be positive if people realise what can be done.

And Noah added: "It wasn't all just about [the bad side] of social media, the conference talked about what [social media] can do to people that's good."

Samika said: "I've learnt how to keep myself safe online and the benefits of social media."

"I think [the conference] has been really beneficial for me." she added.

"Social media has it's merits, but I think we need to educate younger children so much more." said Megan.

The event was organised by students including Rosie who said they chose the theme of social media because they felt their opinions were being ignored.

"It's incredibly important to have this discussion with people my age because of the changes in [government] policy surrounding artificial intelligence [and] surrounding the social media ban for under 16s we've seen in Australia.

"It's become incredibly important we have young people's voices expressed and represented." she added.

Chris George is director of sixth form at Quinton House school and helped students organise the event.

"No matter what school they go to, what age they are, every young person should have a voice and should be listened to.

"I think if we educate our youngsters how to use social media properly, it can be really powerful.

"The more social media [there is], we have to teach students how to critically analyse what they're reading.

"[Social media] is quite a political topic for young people, so we wanted to get together some speakers that look at the pros and the cons because they get a lot of cons at school" he said.

Online Harms Consultant Dr Catherine Knibbs spoke of some of the positives.

"Social media and gaming are like city parks and shopping centres.

"If you know where your child is going and you have been there with them, you can be slightly more relaxed about the environment itself.

"It gives you those moments to understand what the risks might be.

"If you know what the risk assessment is that you would do in the real world, do exactly the same risk assessment online." she added.

Amy King from Northampton International Academy said: "Our students will go back and do assemblies to pass on the messages that they've learned.

"I did not know half of the things that I thought I knew about online gaming, it's an opportunity and experience for me as well to improve my practice".