When an MP’s inbox is flooded with emails on a particular issue it’s sometimes wise to pause and reflect on how far those views reflect wider constituent concerns. There is little doubt however about the scale of concern as expressed in hundreds of emails about social media and under 16’s. In fact, the number of people contacting me with their concerns is the highest for a long time.
The safety of children on and offline must be a priority. That is why Ministers have announced a consultation into children’s social media use including the option of banning it entirely for children under a certain age. It will also look at things like a phone curfew and infinite scrolling. The results will be led by evidence – not only are there a range of opinions but any change must be effective. Apart from parent’s educators and tech companies, particular emphasis will be placed on the views and experiences of young people themselves – an approach so well deployed when we produced the well-received Youth Strategy.
The UK already has some of the most robust online safety laws in the world, taking harmful content down and helping to keep children safer. Technology can enrich people’s lives. Parents are reassured when they are able to stay in touch with their child knowing they are safe. But there is also widespread concern about the possible harmful effects of technology leading many to believe it’s time to give children back their childhoods. I hope everyone will engage in the consultation – much depends on getting it right.