White working-class girls now biggest group for overusing social media

By ELEANOR HARDING, EDUCATION EDITOR Published: 23:17, 29 June 2026 | Updated: 23:19, 29 June 2026 White working-class girls are now the biggest group overusing social media, with 40 per cent spending six or more hours a week on it. This included 20 per cent who were spending more than 10 hours on social media, according to polling by Public First. In comparison, only 36 per cent of white middle-class girls admitted to more than six hours - including only 14 per cent admitting more than 10 hours. And the group spending the least amount of time on social media was middle-class non-white boys. Only 23 per cent of them spent more than six hours on it, including only nine per cent who admitted to more than 10 hours. The figures were revealed after the independent Inquiry into White Working Class Educational Outcomes was published yesterday, highlighting the chronic underperformance of this group. It is thought disadvantaged children may be more vulnerable to spending extended periods on their phones if sports, clubs and other enrichment activities are unaffordable.  Commenting on the survey, Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, said: 'Childhood has changed beyond recognition. Social media is right at the heart of that change and the damage to children's lives is becoming clearer by the day. White working-class girls are now the biggest group overusing social media, with 40 per cent spending six or more hours a week on it (file picture) 'It's why we are putting money into youth clubs and enrichment, rebuilding the community spaces that gave previous generations somewhere to belong, and banning social media for under-16s – because protecting childhood means more than just what happens in the classroom. 'We all want the same thing for our children – the confidence, the friendships, the experiences that stay with them for life. This government is determined to restore that for every child, whoever they are and wherever they grow up.' The polling, of 2,000 children aged nine to 18, also found 22 per cent of those who were white working class spent no time at all reading at home. Meanwhile, 30 per cent said they did it for less than an hour a week. In contrast, only four per cent of non-white middle-class children said they never read.   The survey is revealed as the Government's new phone ban in schools was written into law. From this week, pupils will not be allowed access to phones throughout the school day – with most schools expected to keep them in secure lockers. Social media is also being outlawed for under-16s in an 'Australia Plus' scheme announced earlier this month. Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary (pictured) said: 'Childhood has changed beyond recognition. Social media is right at the heart of that change and the damage to children's lives is becoming clearer by the day.' The Department for Education last night said it has 'published new benchmarks' to encourage schools to offer enrichment activities across arts, sport, nature, civic life and life skills. Yesterday's inquiry, led by leading education figures, found the education system is not set up to serve white working-class children and families. It found that severe absence, academic performance and a sense of belonging were all worse for this group. Only half of white working-class five-year-olds were at the expected standard of development compared with three-quarters of middle-class children. By 16 just one third achieved at least a pass in English and maths GCSEs. Many white working-class families do not believe that doing well in school leads to a good job and financial security, it said. However, the authors said the disadvantage gaps 'cannot be explained away by low aspiration or lack of effort' and are 'deeply rooted in long-term economic change, place-based inequality and weakening trust in institutions'.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.