Why National Youth Ballet is Leaving X: Prioritising Safe Digital Spaces for Young People

At National Youth Ballet, our mission is to create a safe, nurturing, respectful, and inclusive environment for young dancers. This commitment extends beyond the studio to the digital spaces we use to communicate and connect.

After careful consideration, we have decided to leave X (formerly Twitter), a platform that no longer aligns with our values. From Friday 31st January 2025, National Youth Ballet will no longer be active on this platform. We invite you to join us on Bluesky at @nybofgb.bsky.social, where we will continue to share updates, inspiration, and opportunities to engage with our work.

Chief Executive, Barbara Palczynski explains:

“Leading with integrity is a powerful tool. Communicating our mission continues to be a vital aspect of how we achieve our aims and impact. Our decision to leave X reflects our careful consideration of how and where to use our voice from now on.”

Why Safe Digital Spaces Matter

Social media has transformed how young people interact, learn, and express themselves. However, research has highlighted its dual impact: while it offers opportunities for connection and creativity, it can also expose young users to risks, including cyberbullying, harmful content, misinformation and negative impacts on mental health.

A recent report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that one in five young people experience cyberbullying, and platforms that fail to moderate harmful content can exacerbate these challenges. Similarly, a study by the Royal Society for Public Health revealed that 63% of young people believe social media negatively impacts their mental health.

As an organisation dedicated to empowering young people through the arts, we recognise the importance of aligning with platforms that uphold our values. By transitioning to platforms like Bluesky, we aim to ensure that our digital presence reflects the same supportive environment we cultivate in our programmes.

Staying Connected

While our X account will be inactive from 31st January 2025, we are committed to maintaining meaningful connections with our community. Follow us on Bluesky at @nybofgb.bsky.social and stay updated on our blog, newsletter, and other social media channels.

Thank you for supporting us as we take this important step toward fostering safe, positive spaces for young people and all our stakeholders. We will continue to monitor how we use all our social media platforms.