Oral Answers to Questions

Daniel Kawczynski Excerpts

Thursday 25th July 2019 Commons Chamber

The right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners was asked—

[Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con)]

1. What steps the Church of England is taking to promote positive behaviour on social media.

[The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Dame Caroline Spelman)]

The Church of England supports the Government’s aim to make this country the safest place to go online and has submitted evidence to the Government’s Online Harms White Paper. On 1 July, the Church launched its digital charter, which thousands of individuals around the globe have signed up to and which the Government have welcomed and support.

[Daniel Kawczynski]

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. I am sure that she will share my serious concern about the level of hatred, intolerance and rage that appears online, especially on Twitter, sometimes with devastating consequences for young people who are very vulnerable. We have seen tragic examples of that. Will she take our appeal to the Church of England, asking that it does everything possible to work with other organisations to try to instil and inculcate in the next generation the importance of behaving normally and politely on social media?

[Dame Caroline Spelman]

As one of the largest providers of school education, the Church of England is encouraging all its schools to support the digital charter initiative. However, safe internet use applies to people who have faith or have no faith at all, and those of all ages. All Members of this House will be aware of the hate and hostility that many in this Chamber face on a daily basis. I urge all colleagues to consider joining up and supporting the digital charter so that we can foster a more positive experience for people online.