The UK online safety minister met young people in Belfast to discuss proposals for social media restrictions on under-16s.

Any measure agreed at Westminster will apply in Northern Ireland.

Participants included young people from Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.

Nadia Mackiewicz from Carrickfergus said social media helps young people interact and find volunteering opportunities.

She said there had not been enough consultation with young people on the ban proposal.

Mark Brashier from Dundonald said the government considering a ban was understandable but not a simple issue.

Rachel Talbot from Scotland said a ban might push users to less regulated platforms and reduce young people's ability to speak out.

Martim Baptista from England said social media can be both positive and negative and suggested time limits instead of a full ban.

Research presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly showed that almost all 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland use social media.

Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram were the most popular platforms.

Nearly one in ten 16-year-olds spent more than eight hours a day on social media while about half spent three to five hours.

The UK government consultation on social media measures ends on 26 May.

Around 700 responses have come from parents and young people in Northern Ireland out of nearly 70,000 total.