'Racism is now routine’: New research raises fresh questions over…

New research reveals that young people are encountering racist content on social media "every day" prompting warnings that the Government's access ban on under-16s will not, on its own, address the scale of harm.

The study by Dr Naomi Thompson and David Rodger at Goldsmiths, University of London finds that racism is being normalised through a powerful combination of political rhetoric and platform algorithms, with serious effects on young people's safety, mental health and real-world experiences.

Researchers say the findings point to a step change in the nature and intensity of online harms. Dr Naomi Thompson said:

She added:

"Young people told us they are encountering this material first thing in the morning, before school, and throughout the day. That level of repetition is what drives normalisation."

The research found that 95% of young people report seeing racially abusive content, with participants saying they "don't know anyone who doesn't see it."

The findings come in the wake of Government action to aimed at restricting access to social media for under-16s - but the researchers warn that age-based bans are unlikely to be a standalone solution. David Wodger said:

"There is a growing policy focus on whether younger teenagers should be on social media at all. But what young people are telling us is that the real issue is the nature of the content and how platforms distribute it.

Young people involved in the study echoed this concern, suggesting that bans could be circumvented and would not tackle wider societal or political drivers of online racism.

The report identifies a shift in 2026, with politically driven narratives, particularly around migration, playing a central role in shaping online racism.

"We are seeing a clear convergence between political discourse and platform dynamics. Content that legitimises racism is being amplified algorithmically, creating powerful echo chambers," Dr Thompson said:

"When young people repeatedly see the same narratives - whether framed as humour, opinion or 'news' - it can fundamentally shape what they believe is normal or acceptable."

Participants warned that repeated exposure can entrench views: "If they keep seeing it, they will keep believing it."

The research highlights how online experiences are increasingly spilling into offline life, from schools to public spaces. David Wodger said:

"One of the most concerning findings is how clearly young people link what they see online to what they experience in the real world - from everyday racist comments to, in some cases, acts of violence.

"There is a growing perception among young people that online spaces are emboldening behaviour offline - that the boundaries between the two have effectively collapsed."

Previous research found 58% of young people felt unsafe due to social media - a figure participants now say has worsened.

The study also points to intensifying mental health impacts, driven by constant exposure and the normalisation of racist content.

Dr Thompson said: "What is particularly striking is how exposure is becoming normalised - and with that comes a deeper psychological impact. "Young people described internalising the negativity they see, which affects their confidence, their sense of belonging, and how safe they feel in society."

Young people reported increased fear, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness linked to what they see online.

The report also raises concerns about ineffective moderation and low trust in platforms.

"Young people consistently told us that reporting mechanisms are not working - either nothing happens, or harmful content is deemed acceptable. If platforms are serious about safety, they need to address not just individual pieces of content but the systems that promote and reward it." David Rodger said:

Young people reported widespread dissatisfaction with platform responses and a reluctance to report content due to lack of trust. ---

The researchers stress that the findings point to a broader policy challenge that goes beyond restricting access.

"Protecting younger users is important - but focusing solely on access risks overlooking the structural drivers of harm," Dr Thompson said.

David Wodger added:

"This is about platform accountability, political responsibility and education. Without action across all three, the conditions that sustain this content will remain in place."

The research based on focus groups and interviews with young people in London aged 17 to 25 focused on young people from Black and racially minoritised backgrounds.

Researchers analysed what participants said to identify common themes and patterns in their experiences - including what they see online, how they respond to it, and how it affects their lives.

The findings were also compared with an earlier UK-wide study of more than 900 young people, allowing researchers to track how things had changed over time.