Several charities are reviewing how they will engage with young people following the government’s announcement of a social media ban for under-16s, with concerns that restrictions could create additional barriers to reaching younger and harder-to-reach audiences.

Youth Talk chief executive David Barker warned that social media had proved particularly valuable for engaging young people “reluctant to seek help,” calling for restrictions to ensure young people can still access trusted sources of information and support.

Children’s charity Coram said the ban “does not remove the need to reach young people, it simply changes where that engagement happens,” and confirmed it is updating its activity to place greater emphasis on schools, youth services, community networks and alternative digital channels including search, streaming and gaming.

Amnesty International UK said it would continue to reach young people through its Children’s Human Rights Network, Human Rights Education Programme and school-based Amnesty clubs, supporting them to take both digital and in-person action.

Digital information specialist Madeleine Sugden advised charities to conduct an audit of touchpoints and to listen directly to young people in their communities about how they want to be reached.