Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will commission research involving (a) young people, (b) parents and (c) carers on mobile phone use outside school hours.

The department is developing the evidence base around children’s online safety, including smartphone use, to continually inform our policy response.

As part of this, DSIT commissioned a feasibility study into research on the impact of smartphones and social media on children. This six-month study considered methods to gather causal evidence of any impact and a review of existing research. It was led by expert researchers from UK universities. We will publish the feasibility study report in due course.

We are considering next steps based on the study’s findings. They will inform any future research involving young people, parents and carers.