CIOB warns social media ban could hinder construction careers outreach

By Danny BallPublished On: June 4th, 2026Categories: Top Stories

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has urged the Government to consider the impact a potential social media ban for under-16s could have on construction careers awareness, warning that restrictions may limit access to information about opportunities within the sector.

The warning comes as the Government’s consultation on restricting social media access for children and young people concludes, with ministers expected to publish their response later this summer.

While CIOB has not taken a position on whether a ban should be introduced, the organisation has written to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology highlighting the growing role social media plays in informing young people’s career choices.

Social media now a major influence on career decisions

According to CIOB research carried out in March 2026, social media has become one of the most influential factors shaping career decisions among young people.

The survey found that 32% of young people identified social media as a major influence on their career choices, up from 26% in 2025. Only family influence ranked higher, with social media now viewed as more influential than schools or friendship groups.

The findings mirror wider UK research, including studies by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, which found more than one-third of young people have used social media to inform career or job decisions.

For construction, where attracting new entrants remains a major challenge, social media has increasingly been used to showcase modern roles, apprenticeships and career pathways that many young people may not otherwise encounter.

Careers advice gaps remain a concern

The research also highlighted continuing shortcomings in traditional careers guidance.

Almost half of respondents (45%) said construction careers were not covered in the careers advice they received during education, while 44% of parents said they felt under-informed about modern career opportunities.

The findings come as construction employers continue to report skills shortages across a range of occupations, with industry bodies warning that workforce constraints could affect housing, infrastructure and net zero delivery targets.

CIOB calls for stronger careers support if restrictions introduced

CIOB said any decision to restrict social media access should be accompanied by increased investment in alternative careers engagement channels.

Miruna Leitoiu, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at CIOB, said: “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.

“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.

“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.

“We believe this is particularly important at a time when the UK is seeking to address critical skills shortages across sectors central to economic growth, housing delivery, infrastructure development, and the transition to net zero.”

Skills challenge remains central to construction delivery

The intervention comes as construction organisations continue to push for improvements in careers education and greater awareness of vocational pathways.

Industry leaders have repeatedly argued that many young people remain unaware of the range of professional, technical and trade careers available within construction, despite growing demand for skilled workers across housebuilding, infrastructure and retrofit projects.