Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the prevalence of 3-5 year old children owning personal mobile devices and the implications for online safety.

Ofcom reported in 2025 that 17% of 3-5-year-olds have a smartphone. The Online Safety Act protects all children in UK Under the Act, services must protect children from illegal and age-inappropriate online content and conduct children’s risk assessments that consider age-specific risks

We recognise parents’ concerns about young children using devices. The Department for Education is developing screen time guidance for children under 5 which will be available in April. This will help parents understand how long their children should look at screens and alternative activities that are available.