Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Author: Talk

Join Ian Collins on Talk for a lively, no-nonsense look at the days biggest stories, from politics and current affairs to culture and entertainment. Ian dives deep with expert guests, outspoken commentators, and compelling callers, bringing fresh angles and sharp analysis to everything making headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Language: en

Genres: News, News Commentary, Politics

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Is Social Media Destroying Childhood?
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026

David Bull sits in for Ian Collins: Children are increasingly being exposed to extremist content online, with warnings that young people are becoming “intoxicated with extremism” through social media. At the same time, Meta is facing a landmark trial over allegations surrounding social media addiction in children, while Instagram and Facebook could be forced to change the way they operate. Is social media becoming too dangerous for children, and should much tougher restrictions be introduced?Andrew Gilligan, Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange, examines the impact of social media on children, whether the platforms have become too powerful, and what responsibility should fall on companies such as Meta.Dr Charlotte Littlewood, Senior Researcher at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy and former Counter Extremism Coordinator, looks specifically at the radicalisation of children online. How are extremist movements using social media to reach young people, and are parents, schools and technology companies doing enough to stop it?We also examine the latest developments surrounding Instagram and Facebook, including the landmark legal challenge facing Meta and the possibility of major changes to how children access social media.Finally, Kevin Foster, former Immigration Minister and former Conservative MP for Torbay, discusses the continuing small boats crisis. A migrant dinghy has been towed to safety by French police, while reports suggest migrants are sleeping under bridges in Dover amid fears of makeshift “Calais Jungle”-style camps. Is Britain losing control of illegal immigration?Social media, children, extremism, radicalisation, Meta, Instagram, Facebook, online safety, immigration, small boats, asylum seekers, Dover, Channel crossings and illegal immigration. Is social media destroying childhood? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.