Catherine McKinnell

Catherine McKinnell

Labour — Newcastle upon Tyne North

Speaking in the House of Commons on 15 June 2026

Debate

Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Contribution

I thank the Secretary of State for her statement today and for the leadership she has shown on this issue. A mother stopped me as I boarded the train today. She was beaming and she just said, “Thank you so much. This is going to make such a difference to my 13-year-old boy’s life.” I think there are many parents who will sleep a lot easier tonight knowing that help is coming. Does she agree with me that this is not the end of children’s life online? That will still exist, but this is a huge shift of power away from tech companies back towards children and their families, to make sure that their lives can be productive and constructive, and can include being outside with their friends as well?

More from Catherine McKinnell

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Catherine McKinnell's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Catherine McKinnell report card.

Partner sites