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 potential impact of online trends involving catapults on West Dorset consistency.

The Government recognises concerns about potentially harmful online trends, including those involving weapons or harmful behaviour.

The Online Safety Act 2023 requires social media and search services to assess and mitigate the risks of illegal activity on their platforms, including taking action against content linked to the unlawful use of weapons or other criminal activity.

Services must also protect children from harmful content. This includes content which encourages dangerous challenges, violence, or other behaviours likely to result in serious harm. Ofcom, as the independent regulator, has strong enforcement powers to hold platforms accountable where they fail to comply.