As the Government’s consultation on banning social media for under 16s draws to a close, CIOB has written to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, asking them to consider the impact this ban could have on how young people access careers information
CIOB’s letter highlights how social media has, over the years, become increasingly influential in shaping young people’s career choices and their understanding of the range of construction careers available.
Should a ban be introduced, the government must ensure that access to information about careers is improved across other communication channels to fill the gap. CIOB warns.
Social media is a major driver in shaping young people’s perception of construction careers
CIOB’s research into young people’s perceptions of construction careers in March 2026 found that social media is now one of the most influential factors shaping career choices among young people, second only to family influence, and surpassing schools and friends.
The survey found 32% of young people identified social media as a major influence on their career decision-making, up from 26% in 2025.
These findings align with wider UK research, including work by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), which found that over one in three young people have used social media to inform a career or job decision.
Miruna Leitoiu, policy and public affairs officer at CIOB, explained: “While we recognise there are many organisations and stakeholders better placed to provide evidence both in support of, and in opposition to, restrictions on social media use by children and young people, we cannot ignore how it has increasingly become a means of showcasing modern careers, challenging outdated perceptions, and reaching young people who may otherwise receive limited exposure to the breadth of opportunities available.”
Formal options are not doing enough to inform under 16s’ career choices
The research also highlighted how many young people are not receiving sufficient career information through formal education channels. Nearly half of respondents (45%) said construction careers were not covered in the careers advice they received during education.
Furthermore, 44% of parents surveyed reported feeling underinformed about modern career options.
“Should the Government decide to introduce substantial restrictions or a ban on social media use for under-16s, we would urge consideration of how this gap in access to career information could be addressed,” Leitoiu commented.
“This could include strengthening careers advice services in schools and colleges, increasing investment in outreach programmes for key sectors experiencing labour shortages such as construction, developing national campaigns promoting career pathways, or exploring alternative ways of engaging parents and guardians directly with information about future careers and skills opportunities.”
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