Dr Danny Chambers

Dr Danny Chambers

Liberal Democrat — Winchester

Speaking in the House of Commons on 18 December 2025

Debate

Business of the House

Contribution

Merry Christmas to you, Madam Deputy Speaker. One of the biggest issues I am contacted about in Winchester, by parents, schoolteachers, paediatricians and campaign groups, is children’s mental health, with particular reference to smartphones and social media. An emerging problem is the increased use of chatbots for mental health advice, especially by children who think that a chatbot is their friend or a cartoon character. That is causing some very dangerous outcomes. The US has just brought forward the GUARD Act—Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue Act of 2025—to regulate chatbots. Given that this is an emerging and urgent problem, will the Leader of the House consider providing Government time for a debate on the specific issue of chatbots? One third of adults have already used chatbots for mental health advice and therapy.

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