Mobile Phones and Social Media: Use by Children

Allison Gardner Excerpts
Tuesday 20th January 2026

(1 day, 7 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Caroline Nokes Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
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Order. The last time I was in the Chair for a statement on this issue, we ran out of time. It would be really helpful if colleagues ensured that their questions are short.

Allison Gardner Portrait Dr Allison Gardner (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab)
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Organisations such as the Molly Rose Foundation highlight that evidence to support social media bans remains very uncertain and warn that blanket restrictions could unintentionally cause harm by pushing young people towards unregulated platforms, remove trusted online spaces, undermine digital literacy and, indeed, create a cliff edge at the age of 16. Does the Secretary of State agree that we must take a calm, evidence-based approach to this complex issue and ensure that children’s voices are central to the consultation?

Liz Kendall Portrait Liz Kendall
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I agree 100%.