Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for the quality of education of the use of digital tablets for learning in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Surrey Heath constituency.

Technology plays an important role in broad, rich learning experiences in classrooms across the country, and it is essential that children learn to use technology confidently and safely, so they are prepared for a rapidly evolving world of work.

Equally, we understand concerns about excessive screen time and agree that unmonitored or unlimited personal use can carry risks and recognise that we must get the balance right. That’s why we are consulting on how we can deliver a safer digital childhood, developing screen time guidance for children and taking touch action against online harms – in addition to ensuring schools are always phone free. We have also committed to publishing guidance on early years screentime shortly.