The head of the UK’s largest education union has expressed concerns about the potential impact of a Nigel Farage government on children and young people. Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), highlighted the need for increased investment and delivery in education to prevent a surge in support for Reform UK.
Kebede also raised alarms about the growing presence of racism in classrooms and the negative effects of children’s addiction to social media. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to safeguard the well-being of students and the quality of education.
According to Kebede, the current political landscape poses significant risks, with the possibility of a Nigel Farage-led government in the near future, which he described as “disastrous” for children and the education system. He urged the Labour Party to prioritize investment and implementation of promised reforms to avert such a scenario.
The NEU leader called for action to combat rising levels of child poverty and advocated for taxing tech companies to fund mental health support for children. Kebede criticized existing policies such as the two-child benefit limit and urged for its removal to address the challenges faced by vulnerable families.
In addition, Kebede highlighted the detrimental impact of social media on children and proposed raising the age of digital consent to 16. He emphasized the need for digital literacy in school curriculums and measures to counter the addictive nature of social media platforms, which expose young users to harmful content.
Responding to these concerns, a Reform UK spokesperson emphasized the importance of teaching children objectively and avoiding ideological indoctrination. The Department for Education echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the role of education in promoting critical thinking and countering hate speech.
Efforts are being made to provide resources and guidance to address these complex issues and equip children with the skills needed to navigate the digital world effectively.