Protecting Young People Online 2026-02-04
2026-02-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Online Safety Act was intended to protect children from harmful content online. A study by the Molly Rose Foundation found that over a third of 13 to 17-year-olds had seen harmful content before the Act's implementation.
Given that young people in my constituency still see harmful content, will the Minister commit to publishing a report examining whether the Online Safety Act is meeting its stated aim of keeping children safe online while we wait for the Government’s response to their own consultation?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that important point. I have engaged deeply and frequently with the Molly Rose Foundation on this issue and wider concerns. We continue to ensure that the monitoring and evaluation of the Online Safety Act’s implementation is in progress—I am engaging regularly on that, and I am happy to continue the conversation.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to publish a specific report not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Parents in Derby want to know that their children are properly protected from harmful content and addictive design features when using the internet.
How can we ensure that children and young people's voices are at the heart of this national conversation on protecting them online, in addition to listening to organisations representing them?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
I first pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the depth and breadth of her advocacy for the people of Derby. I can confirm that I would be delighted to ensure that we continue the conversation with young people. I was at a school last week, and I will be in a school this week. I commit to the House that the Secretary of State and I will continue to put young people at the heart of all our decisions.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Over 400 constituents have called for greater regulation of social media and young people’s use of it. There is a debate about whether there should be a full or partial ban.
What engagement is the Department having with the Department for Education’s curriculum review to give young people the skills, information and support they need to identify online harms and misinformation?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: regulation is one part of this issue, but we are also focused on the fundamental aspects of media literacy and education. We are engaging very closely with the Department for Education on a media literacy aspect of the national curriculum to ensure that our young people can spot misinformation and disinformation, and that they are prepared to make the most of online experiences.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy