Young People’s Media Literacy

Lord Storey Excerpts

Thursday 22nd May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for that further question. She is absolutely right that it is vital that pupils are taught about staying safe online, but we have to remember that we live in a digital age and it is imperative that we strike a balance, so that young people can access the benefits of social media while we continue to put their safety and well-being first. The curriculum and assessment review is looking to see how it can widen the curriculum and the offer, in this specific area and all the areas that contribute to the well-being of young people and emerging adults. Of course, this will lead to curriculum requirements, and any information on funding to support this will be available after the review is finally published.

[Lord Storey (LD)]

My Lords, the Minister will be aware that a Select Committee, ably chaired by the noble Baroness, Lady Keeley, is doing a piece of work on media literacy. It is convenient that we will have not only the curriculum review but this piece of work as well. What do the Government think should be their number one priority?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

For me, the Government and, I think, all of us here, the number one priority is the safety of young people. We have to make sure that all the measures we bring in keep children and young people at the centre of everything we are doing. We talk a lot about systems, structures and strategies, but let us focus on their needs and hear their voices too in contributing to what we need to do.