That this House notes with concern the increasing challenge of ensuring children’s safety online, which remains more important than ever; recognises the need to consider whether existing guidance on smartphone use in schools should be put on a legislative footing; acknowledges that such a measure aims to create an environment conducive to learning and free from distractions, rather than restrict freedoms; notes that in certain cases, such as those of young carers or children with health conditions, some access to a mobile phone during the school day may be necessary; further notes that parents across the UK are deeply concerned about the impact of smartphones and social media on their children; highlights recent polling that shows 95% of UK parents believe social media companies should do more to protect young people, with 68% of young people agreeing; and endorses changes such as raising the age of internet adulthood from 13 to 16, to help reduce the addictive nature of smartphones and improve online safety for young people.
Signatories (42)
- Pippa Heylings Sponsor
- Adam Dance
- Mr Angus MacDonald
- Brian Mathew
- Susan Murray
- Dr Al Pinkerton
- Helen Maguire
- Munira Wilson
- Daisy Cooper
- Wendy Chamberlain
- Cameron Thomas
- Jess Brown-Fuller
- Andrew George
- Helen Morgan
- Tom Morrison
- Manuela Perteghella
- Jamie Stone
- Alison Bennett
- Dr Danny Chambers
- Mike Martin
- Marie Goldman
- Edward Morello
- Liz Jarvis
- Rachel Gilmour
- Ayoub Khan
- Sarah Gibson
- Chris Coghlan
- Ellie Chowns
- Calum Miller
- Monica Harding
- Jim Shannon
- Martin Wrigley
- Mr Lee Dillon
- Sarah Dyke
- John Milne
- Bob Blackman
- Victoria Collins
- Lisa Smart
- Christine Jardine
- John McDonnell
- Neil Duncan-Jordan
- Adrian Ramsay