Written Question·Department for Science, Innovation and Technology·UIN 90677
Mobile Phones and Social Media: Children
Tabled: 13 November 2025
Answered: 20 November 2025
Named DayQuestion
Kerry McCarthy
Labour — Bristol East
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to establish a (a) social media curfew and (b) cap on smartphone screen time for children.
Answer
Kanishka NarayanIt is important that children can seize the opportunities that being online offers whilst being safe. The Online Safety Act provides protections for children from illegal and harmful content online
We continue to explore evidence around the impact of social media on children. We will not hesitate to take further action to protect children from online harm, if evidence shows it is needed.