Students from Workington Academy Radio have officially launched a brand-new podcast series, Behind the Algorithm, opening with a powerful first episode recorded in the school studio with Josh MacAlister OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Whitehaven and Workington and Minister for Children and Families.
The podcast is a student-led investigation into social media, algorithms, and the impact online platforms can have on young people’s mental health, wellbeing, and daily lives. Episode 1 sees students take the lead in questioning Josh MacAlister about screen time, anxiety, sleep, online comparison, and the growing national debate around social media use for under-16s.
During the recording, students explored why social media platforms are designed to be addictive, where responsibility should sit between young people, schools, government, and technology companies, and what a safer digital future could look like. The discussion also touched on wider issues such as misinformation, democracy, and how young people access news online.
The episode forms part of a wider series that will feature a range of high-profile voices, all centred around one key aim, putting young people at the heart of important conversations about life online.
Watch and listen to Episode 1
🎧 Listen on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ai94XzDeaJooT01RmuLN9?si=mmRYOpMYQxek5am-aCmrtg
🎥 Watch on YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhZqQr-No1L74cOx4cTLiidUkMerfvewc&si=734yuA0y9iEDlpL4
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-algorithm/id1870696518?itscg=30200&itsct=podcast_box&ls=1&mttnsubad=1870696518
📻 Find out more about Workington Academy Radio
https://www.workingtonacademy.org/waradio/
Further episodes of Behind the Algorithm are already in production, with students continuing to investigate how technology is shaping their generation and what needs to change to keep young people safe, informed, and heard.
