Children and Social Work Bill - Clause 56 - Functions of adjudicator in relation to admission numbers

Moves Lords amendment 17B which strengthens obligations to support sibling contact for children who are looked after. This is supported by the Family Rights Group and Become.

Welcomes Government amendment 17B, paying tribute to campaigners for their work in this area. Requests the Minister to commit to data collection on sibling separation in the care system.

Acknowledges the powerful impact of young people's testimonies and supports the Government for making important changes that improve many lives.

Welcomes the consultation on this issue, highlighting the importance of hearing from young carers during the process.

Confirms that the consultation is targeted at young people, parents and consumers of social media and not social media companies.

Advocates for a statutory ban on smartphones in schools and bans on children under 16 from using social media to address the issue swiftly.

Questions the Minister's refusal to accept a Liberal Democrat amendment on this subject, suggesting pride as a reason. Argues for an immediate statutory ban on social media.

Criticises the lack of a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools, highlighting the damning evidence against smartphone usage by children.

Inquires whether headteachers have requested a statutory ban for easier implementation and enforcement of the guidance.

Supports a ban on social media for under-16s due to its impact on children's mental health and the addictive nature of algorithms. Cites examples of families who have lost their children because of social media abuse, highlighting the need for legislative action.

Expresses sympathy for the Minister but agrees that a statutory ban is necessary. Indicates that the Government's stance appears contradictory, suggesting they have solved the problem while simultaneously stating that further legislation might be needed.

Emphasises the broader issue of screen time and its impact on children's communication skills and cerebral capacity. Calls for a comprehensive approach to regulating screens and returning to traditional child-rearing practices.

The amendment will prevent unnecessary separation and lack of contact between siblings in the care system, which can cause significant emotional distress. The MP highlights her decade-long effort to bring this change about, involving multiple debates, early-day motions, ministerial meetings, and letters.

Intervened briefly to thank Emma Lewell-Buck for her persistence in pushing for this amendment, highlighting the positive impact it will have on children's lives.

Welcomes the Government's acceptance of Lords amendment 17 to ensure siblings are not separated in care. Emphasises the need for statutory guidance on banning smartphones during school hours, citing evidence of improved focus and behaviour among pupils. Raises concerns about the government's branded school uniform policy and calls for a review after 12 months. Stresses the importance of protecting children’s personal data online and tackling addictive design in social media apps.

Congratulates Munira Wilson on her work and cites PISA research showing lower life satisfaction among 15-year-olds with higher rates of social media use, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.

Highlights the negative impact of social media on children's mental health and wellbeing. Cites a Harris poll showing 39% of Gen Z wishing social media had never been invented, and mentions an experiment showing one piece of concerning content per minute for fictional young accounts. Argues that stronger protections are needed for under-16s, including legally robust regulations.

Stressed the need to protect children from harmful online content, citing statistics such as 70% of teenagers seeing violent content despite only 6% actively searching for it. Argued that passing these amendments would empower parents and teachers to act without fear of isolation or opposition.

Argued that there is genuine disagreement among stakeholders about what solutions should look like, suggesting a need for further consultation. Emphasised the importance of detailed questioning to find effective approaches.

Agreed with Graham Stuart that banning smartphones in schools is simple and straightforward, arguing that it would improve focus on learning and prevent harmful use of technology during school hours.

Supports the amendment, arguing it reflects growing concern among parents and professionals. The amendment proposes highly effective age assurance rather than 'reasonable steps', aligning with international efforts in France and Spain. He calls for action to protect children from harm.

As a parent of teenage and young adult children, she highlights the negative impact of excessive screen time on mental health and attention. She received over 2,600 emails from parents demanding action. The amendment's lack of decisive action is criticised as it gives optional powers to the Secretary of State without strict requirements or timelines.

Argues that social media platforms are designed to maximise engagement and capture attention. Supports Lords amendment 38, citing statistics such as a quarter of primary school children being exposed to pornography online. Emphasises the need for statutory guidance on smartphone use in schools.

Intervened to highlight that a statutory ban on smartphones could delay children getting phones until age 13 or 14, gaining valuable time for child development.

Shares the tragic story of Christopher, a constituent's son who was bullied online and took his own life. Advocates for swift action to ban phones in schools and impose an age restriction of 16 on social media.

Raises concerns about scientific research showing adverse cognitive effects from mobile phones and social media, including reduced attention spans, weakened executive function, language delays in early childhood, ADHD-related symptoms, altered brain development patterns, and increased suicides linked to high-risk use of digital technology. Supports raising the age of access to social media to 16 and banning mobile phones in schools.

Agrees with Iqbal Mohamed on language delays caused by apps, highlighting additional pressures this will put on an already reformed special educational needs and disabilities system.

Acknowledges concerns but emphasises the need to act carefully, citing a recent consultation that will conclude in one month. Insists on considering all perspectives and services before implementing any changes.