Written Question·Department for Science, Innovation and Technology·UIN 111405

Mobile Phones: Children

Tabled: 5 February 2026

Answered: 25 February 2026

Question

James McMurdock

Independent — South Basildon and East Thurrock

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the prevalence of 3-5 year old children owning personal mobile devices and the implications for online safety.

Answer

Kanishka Narayan

Ofcom reported in 2025 that 17% of 3-5-year-olds have a smartphone. The Online Safety Act protects all children in UK Under the Act, services must protect children from illegal and age-inappropriate online content and conduct children’s risk assessments t...

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