Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Fatherhood And Smartphone Usage

10 February 2026 · 0 other contributors · 244 words

Opened by Luke Charters Lab York Outer

Responding minister: Not recorded

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Luke Charters raised concerns about fatherhood and smartphone usage in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the impact of smartphone usage on family time, particularly for young children
  • MP emphasized the importance of being a parent before being an MP
  • MP called for fathers to reduce phone usage to prioritize quality time with children

Key requests to Government

Present fatherhood starts with all of us putting the phone down.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Luke Charters Lab York Outer

I have always said that I am a dad first and an MP second. My son Robin, who is three years old, loves to play outside. Even on weekends, my phone usage was four or five hours daily despite the importance of family time when children are young. When kids are young, we never get that time back, and every hour counts.

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