Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the level of availability of accessible third spaces for people under the age of 16 following the introduction of the proposed social media ban; and what steps she is taking to ensure that sufficient safe, affordable and age appropriate third spaces remain available for young people in local communities.

Giving every child the best possible start in life is this government's driving force.

This Government is investing £500 million through our Youth Matters national youth strategy, so young people from all walks of life can access fun things to do outside of school, support when and where young people need it, more safe spaces and access to trusted adults.

This includes over £60 million to improve access to enriching activities and youth work, £350 million to refurbish or build up to 250 youth facilities and £10m for a new youth opportunity programme with the King's Trust. In addition, £132.5m of dormant assets funding for Every Child Can will increase disadvantaged young people’s access to enrichment opportunities.