Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed under-16s social media ban on children with learning disabilities.

Protecting children online is a priority. Through our recent consultation, we heard directly from 14,000 children, including those who are often underrepresented such as children with learning disabilities, who, according to research, encounter disproportionately more harm online.

On 15 June, the government published a progress statement announcing a ban on social media services from providing their services to under 16s. We recognise the need to support those with additional needs. The government is continuing to strengthen wider support for children, including access to youth services and enrichment activities in schools and beyond the classroom, backed by funding through the national youth strategy. Our approach will reduce serious harms while preserving safe, positive online spaces such as access to learning resources. We are also helping to connect trusted adults with young people, including funding mentoring through The King’s Trust.