Oral Answers to Questions

Catherine Atkinson Excerpts

Wednesday 4th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Jess Brown-Fuller (Chichester) (LD)]

5. What steps she is taking to help reduce social media harms for children under 16.

[Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) (Lab)]

6. What steps her Department is taking to help protect young people online.

[Danny Beales (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Lab)]

12. What steps her Department is taking to help protect young people online.

--- Later in debate ---

[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.

[Catherine Atkinson]

I have heard from many parents in Derby who want to know that their children are properly protected when they go online, not left exposed to harmful content or addictive design features. I have also spoken to many young people who are also concerned about what they face online. Can the Minister set out how, in addition to listening to the voices of organisations representing children and bereaved families, which is vital, we put children and young people at the heart of this national conversation and ensure that their voices are heard too?

[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.