'Manageable, measurable' | How social media ban could affect apprenticeship recruitment drives

The Government's recently-announced social media ban is focused on the safeguarding of under-16s, but with two-thirds of teenagers aged 13-15 currently active on at least one social media platform, little to no attention has been paid to the impact such a ban might have on early careers outreach and discovery. 

For high-turnover sectors such as hospitality, which naturally lean on early careers talent in their workforce planning, the problem could become chronic. 

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) which spearheaded the announcement, told HR Grapevine: "The purpose of these measures is to ensure children have age-appropriate online experiences. We have been clear that young people will still be able to access a wide range of helpful and informative online services and resources." 

Quite how the mechanisms of this access – or lack thereof – to online resources will shape up is yet to be determined; a more thorough response to the initial consultation is expected later this month.