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Mobile Phones and Social Media Use by Children 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEconomy
Other Contributors: 51
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology raised concerns about mobile phones and social media use by children 2026-01-20 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today I am announcing further measures to keep children safe online. The Government has already made significant progress with the Online Safety Act 2023, which introduces robust systems to tackle illegal content and protect children from harmful content. My first act as Secretary of State was to prioritise offences related to self-harm and suicide promoting content, intimate image abuse, and cyber-flashing. We are also criminalising artificial intelligence models optimised for child sexual abuse material. In response to Grok's actions, we fast-tracked legislation making it an offence to create non-consensual intimate images and banning the generation of such images by X. Parents are concerned about screen time, mental health impacts, and the overall wellbeing of their children online. We will bring forward a three-month consultation on measures to keep children safe online, including the option of banning social media for under-16s, raising the digital age of consent, curfews overnight or breaks to stop excessive use, and ensuring rigorous enforcement of existing laws around age verification. The consultation will include input from parents, organisations representing children and bereaved parents, technology companies, independent experts, and children themselves. We are prepared to act on serious concerns about children's screen time in schools and at home by developing screen time guidance for children under five and aged five to 16, and publishing updated guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools. The question is not whether we will take further action but how we can do so effectively.
Julia Lopez
Con
Hornchurch and Upminster
Question
The shadow Secretary asks about the Government’s stance on a social media ban for children, questioning whether this consultation is merely delaying action. She also queries the timeline of the three-month consultation and its impact on legislation timing.
Minister reply
The Minister responds by emphasising that the question is not about whether they will take further action but how to do so effectively through a proper consultation with public input, especially from children and families.
Question
Asked about the legal basis of banning phones in schools and the timeline for Ofsted enforcement, questioning whether guidance is sufficient.
Minister reply
Responded that while digital ID will not be a requirement for age verification on social media sites, the Government remains committed to swift action based on evidence. Emphasised that challenges must be navigated carefully to ensure effective implementation.
Laura Trott MP
Con
Sevenoaks
Question
Inquired about specific actions related to banning phones in schools and the enforcement by Ofsted.
Minister reply
Acknowledged that guidance is an important step forward, but emphasised the need for clear legal frameworks beyond just guidance.
Chi Onwurah MP
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Question
Asked about the Secretary of State's views on a social media ban and her commitment to reviewing previous recommendations regarding platform responsibility, user control, digital advertising, and business models.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues through consultation and ongoing review, highlighting the need for evidence-based approaches.
Victoria Collins MP
Lib Dem
Harpenden
Question
Called for a social media ban based on film-style age ratings extending to 18, advocating for immediate action rather than further consultation.
Minister reply
Responded positively to the idea of age classification and expressed willingness to discuss this approach further.
Helen Hayes MP
Lab
Dulwich
Question
Asked why a statutory ban on phones in schools was not being announced, and whether it is off the table.
Minister reply
Stated that the outcome is clear: there should be no place for phones in schools. Emphasised the importance of having a clear position before summer.
Damian Hinds MP
Con
East Hampshire
Question
Asked about definitional decisions and timeline commitments after consultation, expressing concern that action may be delayed.
Minister reply
Commited to not stretching the period after the close of consultation in an open-ended way, aiming for clear positions before summer.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Nottingham West
Question
Will the Minister provide details on the legal basis of this announcement?
Minister reply
I will address these concerns and ensure that we take a comprehensive approach to shaping healthier digital environments.
Gosport
Question
What steps are being taken on a cross-Government basis to tackle the issues arising from reduced screen time?
Minister reply
We are planning for gaps created by reducing screen time and supporting young people with activities such as dance, drama, music, and sport both in and out of school.
Allison Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that a calm, evidence-based approach is necessary to ensure children’s voices are central to the consultation?
Minister reply
I agree 100% and we will take a careful and evidence-based approach.
Chichester
Question
Why not talk to Lords counterparts for swift legislative action?
Minister reply
Listening respectfully to different views is vital, but we will act swiftly based on the consultation results.
Adam Thompson
Lab
Erewash
Question
How will the Secretary of State ensure that the consultation balances tech opportunities with protecting at-risk kids?
Minister reply
The consultation will take a balanced approach, harnessing the benefits while ensuring protection for vulnerable children.
Aphra Brandreth
Con
Chester South and Eddisbury
Question
Why are the Government not making a clear commitment today to act on social media restrictions?
Minister reply
We support existing actions like updating guidance for schools, but a short consultation is necessary to get it right.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Question
How can the voices of children and young people in Bishop Auckland be included in the consultation?
Minister reply
We will hold events in schools with parents and organisations representing children, ensuring their views are heard.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree we need to listen to all stakeholders before reaching a robust and enforceable position?
Minister reply
We will learn from Australia’s experience, listen to concerns raised by organisations like the NSPCC, IWF, and Molly Rose Foundation.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Question
Will there be swift delivery of consultation outcomes and enforcement of existing regulations protecting children?
Minister reply
There will be no desire to hang about, as this issue affects children now; action will be swift.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
Does the announcement reflect any substance considering previous promises?
Minister reply
We are addressing these concerns comprehensively and moving forward with a consultative approach.
Chesham and Amersham
Question
Could the Secretary of State acknowledge an inherent conflict in updating guidance on smartphone use when she says mobile phones have no place in schools?
Minister reply
The guidance is about how schools can effectively introduce a ban. The statement goes further than the private Member’s Bill he recommends, and I will ensure young people's views are heard.
Aylesbury
Question
How can young people in her constituency get involved in politics and government through a campaign called “Rise above the rumours”?
Minister reply
Schools should hold events where children debate and vote on issues. I will look at results from such initiatives.
Esher and Walton
Question
Has she looked at the Online Safety Act Network's request for urgent amendments to the Online Safety Act 2023?
Minister reply
Yes, I am determined to act swiftly but must consider different views on this issue.
Andrew Cooper MP
Lab
Mid Cheshire
Question
Will her review look at harmful interactions in online games and opaque feed algorithms' mental health impacts?
Minister reply
I will ensure young people’s voices are heard. The review will consider issues like defining social media and implementing age assurance measures.
Jeremy Wright MP
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Question
Will the Government pursue a ban on social media for under-16s without diluting child safety duties under the Online Safety Act?
Minister reply
I am very interested in effective age assurance measures, which are already required for serious issues like pornography.
Peter Swallow MP
Lab
Bracknell
Question
Will my right hon. Friend commit to listening to the views of mental health charities and young people from different backgrounds?
Minister reply
Young people must trust us and feel confident in raising issues. Hon. Members should engage locally for better understanding.
Sarah Russell MP
Lab
Congleton
Question
How important is it to speak to a large range of children from different backgrounds about their experiences online?
Minister reply
It is vital that young people trust us and feel confident in raising matters without fear.
Bromsgrove
Question
Why hasn't the Government announced a ban on social media for under-16s to protect young people's health and well-being?
Minister reply
Consultation is necessary, but we should not let perfection be the enemy of good.
Sojan Joseph MP
Lab
Ashford
Question
Can the consultation look into tech firms' ability to develop loopholes that would destroy the impact of any ban?
Minister reply
I am open to hearing views and voices from Kent through separate meetings or information sent by my hon. Friend.
South Devon
Question
Has she not dismissed the idea of supporting headteachers with legislation banning smartphones in secondary schools?
Minister reply
We want to make things simple for schools, teachers, parents and young people. There is no place for phones in school.
South Derbyshire
Question
Will the Secretary of State join her in South Derbyshire for consultation meetings so constituents feel heard?
Minister reply
How can I resist?
Julian Lewis MP
Con
New Forest East
Question
During the consultation, will she instruct civil servants to prepare for a practical ban provisionally without wasting time?
Minister reply
Deeds, not words—I want to prepare for all options and implement decisions as soon as possible.
Battersea
Question
Will the guidance take account of risks for sight loss when excessive screen time is linked to myopia and dry eye disease?
Minister reply
I want to ensure that all risks are taken into account during the consultation period.
David Chadwick
Lib Dem
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Question
If the Secretary of State agrees that there should be a ban on children accessing harmful social media platforms, will the default age for accessing them be 16?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman knows that I have set out that we will consult on the age of 16, but I remind the House that the Online Safety Act has very strong provisions against illegal content for people of all ages and harmful content for children.
Cardiff West
Question
Will the consultation cover the concept of misinformation and the addictive nature of social media, including algorithmically personalised feeds?
Minister reply
This is very much about keeping children safe online. We will look at raising the digital age of consent, the positive impact that could have on how companies use algorithms, and the many related issues.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
What conversations has the Secretary of State had with Ofcom about the powers and further action it could take now on artificial intelligence chatbots?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend will know that I have already said that I have looked seriously at the issue of AI chatbots. Those that use live search and those that share user-to-user content are covered by the Online Safety Act, but where the chatbot has an interaction with an individual without live search or user-to-user content, that is not covered by the Act.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
Is she proposing a social media ban for under-16s, simply asking for views on the age at which a ban should be set, or giving options?
Minister reply
We are including the option of a ban for those under 16; that will be clear. We will propose raising the digital age of consent and we will look at the other issues I listed in my statement.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Question
Will the Secretary of State stick to her intention to consult fully, especially with children under the age of 16?
Minister reply
The Government are determined to stick up for British values and British law. I am proud that we did that last week. We will choose on this issue but I want people’s views to be heard.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Question
What will my right hon. Friend do to tackle the problem of digital lawlessness?
Minister reply
We have taken steps; the Online Safety Act is a really important step forward. Ever since that became law we have taken further action on cyber-flashing, nudification apps, and sites that promote self-harm and suicide.
Alison Bennett
Lib Dem
Mid Sussex
Question
How urgently will change happen after the clear position is reached? How long will Anna keep on seeing children damaged by too much screen time?
Minister reply
We will act as swiftly as possible. I am extremely keen to hear from medical professionals—I received a letter from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges on this issue—and we will be engaging with them deeply.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Question
Why will the Government not take action now?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his statement.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Question
Will the Secretary of State proactively seek information from health specialists, including psychologists such as Sarah-Jayne Blakemore?
Minister reply
Yes, we absolutely want independent experts to feed in their views. My career started out in the world of public health at the King’s Fund, and thinking about this issue in a public health framework is extremely important.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
Given that education is a devolved responsibility in Wales, will the Secretary of State seek early discussions with the Welsh Government to ensure equal implementation across the UK?
Minister reply
I recognise those points and want to work closely with the Welsh Government on all these issues.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Question
What is the objection to listening to parents' views on a potential social media ban for under-16s?
Minister reply
Not really.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
What mechanism will be put in place if the right hon. Lady concludes that there needs to be a social media ban for under-16s, considering the timeline?
Minister reply
The mechanism will depend on the policy. I want us to have thought through all of that so that we have a policy that lasts.
Natasha Irons
Lab
Croydon East
Question
Will the consultation look at the quality and purpose of content consumed by children on platforms such as YouTube?
Minister reply
Absolutely. The consultation will focus on the quality of screen time.
Bath
Question
What are the Government doing to ensure that all powers under the Online Safety Act are being used by Ofcom to stop illegal drug sales to children online?
Minister reply
I have put on record my determination for Ofcom to use its powers swiftly.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
Will the Secretary of State commit to a clear timetable for bold action before more young lives are damaged?
Minister reply
I am committed to working out the very best and effective way forward.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Question
How will meaningful consultations proceed without defining social media, setting an enforcement model, or outlining age verification methods?
Minister reply
This is a statement announcing the consultation. I look forward to his views when it is published.
Sonia Kumar
Lab
Dudley
Question
Will research be commissioned into long-term side effects of social media, including cognitive and motor development?
Minister reply
Clinicians will work closely with us on this issue. I thank my hon. Friend for her question.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Question
What steps will the Secretary of State take to ensure that any future consultation is based on health and safety by design, and when can we expect legislation?
Minister reply
The consultation and proposals will be about not only safety but enhancing the wellbeing of children.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Question
Will the Secretary of State commit to working with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges to ensure evidence-led conclusions from this consultation?
Minister reply
Yes.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Question
What views does the Secretary of State have on enforcement based on experience in Australia, where they are leading the charge with legislation?
Minister reply
We will definitely be learning from the experience in Australia about enforcement.
Shadow Comment
Julia Lopez
Shadow Comment
The shadow Secretary criticises the Government's approach, questioning its firm leadership and decisive actions on a social media ban for children. She highlights that many Labour MPs are against the proposal and questions whether the consultation is a way to manage yet another U-turn or simply delay action until after the parliamentary week. The timeline of a three-month consultation means legislation may not be ready in time for the King's Speech, leaving little chance for MPs to vote on it this week. She also demands clarity from the Secretary of State on her personal stance and message to Labour MPs who would like to support the ban. She emphasises the urgency of addressing social media's broader impacts beyond illegal material, such as addiction, anxiety, and mental health issues.
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