Growing up in the Online World Consultation
2026-05-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the engagement level of parents and children in a government-led online safety consultation.
What steps her Department has taken to help ensure that parents and children are able to engage with the consultation entitled “Growing up in the online world: a national consultation.”
Making it as simple as possible for parents and children to get involved in our consultation is really important to me personally, because I know that this is an issue that so many families grapple with every single day. We have dedicated surveys for parents and young people. Almost 38,000 parents and 12,700 young people have completed the survey so far, and there are also other events that my Ministers and I have taken part in. However, there is a still a week to go, so I say to anybody who is watching questions to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: please, get involved and answer. We want to know what you think. We want your views, because we have to get this right.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific steps taken by the department were not clearly detailed, only mentioning dedicated surveys and events.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Parents in Plymouth are concerned about the impact of social media on their children, with 92% reporting worries. The consultation lacks a clear mechanism for considering evidence from medical experts and excludes tech companies' commercial interests.
I speak to parents in Plymouth regularly who are concerned about social media's impact on their children, noting that many do not have time for lengthy consultations. Parents also highlight issues with the consultation framing, lack of expert input mechanisms, and concerns over AI analysis. Will the Secretary of State confirm these concerns will be addressed when assessing results, and reiterate her commitment to bold action this summer?
We have received 38,000 parent responses to surveys. We are actively seeking medical professionals' views through an expert panel chaired by Professor Russell Viner with psychologists and psychiatrists involved. We will continue to seek these views over the remaining week of consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not confirm that specific concerns about the consultation framing or AI analysis will be addressed in assessing results.
Actively Seeking
Remaining Week
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Parents in Edinburgh are concerned about their children's safety online and the timing of government action. They seek reassurances on how quickly issues will be addressed.
A considerable number of parents have written to me concerning their children's safety from online threats. While welcoming the consultation, they express concern over its timing and request assurances regarding swift action. Additionally, what advice can the Secretary of State provide for parents in the interim?
Proposals from the consultation will come forward before summer. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 provides powers for implementing results by year-end. Meanwhile, amendments have been made to Acts for greater protection, and advice 'You Won't Know until You Ask' is available online.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide specific reassurances about the timing of action or concrete interim steps parents can take.
Come Forward With Proposals
Greater Protect [7D [K Protection
Response accuracy