Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans she has to publish annual data on media literacy levels among children and young people.

Ofcom has a duty to promote and research media literacy under the Communications Act 2003, as clarified by the Online Safety Act 2023. As part of this, Ofcom publishes research on children’s media use, attitudes and understanding, including its annual Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes report.

The government has no current plans to publish a separate dataset on media literacy levels among children and young people. We draw on Ofcom’s evidence to inform policy and commission additional research where appropriate. DSIT works closely with Ofcom to share insights, coordinate activity, and ensure research is proportionate and avoids duplication.