Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed restrictions on social media for under-16s on disabled children, including (a) Deaf children who use British Sign Language and (b) autistic and other neurodivergent children.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises that online services can be especially valuable to disabled children, supporting communication, learning, social connection and access to information. Our consultation committed to considering potential unintended consequences, including possible impacts of any potential restrictions on vulnerable children, including those with special needs and disabilities. As regulations are developed, we will continue engaging children, parents, civil society, Ofcom and industry to ensure implementation is evidence-based, proportionate and inclusive, including for children with disabilities. We are also committed to ensuring that all children can have enriching experiences offline.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the (a) packaging, (b) nicotine strength and (c) point-of-sale requirements for nicotine pouches on the level of protection of children and young people from nicotine exposure and use.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Members to the Government's consultations, and accompanying consultation stage impact assessments, on smoke-free, heated tobacco-free, and vape-free places, and on the packaging, device appearance, and display of tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. The Government will carefully consider the responses before taking decisions on future regulations.

I refer the Hon. Members to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill House of Lords debate on 24 February 2026 in relation to filters. Evidence is still developing and there are no current plans to consult on plain packaging and promotions restrictions. No assessment has been taken on filters being used to circumvent the current flavours ban.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of penalties for retailers found to have sold nicotine pouches to people under the age of 18.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

There is currently no age of sale restriction for nicotine pouches, and therefore no penalties apply. However, from 29 October 2026, it will be an offence to sell these products to a person under the age of 18 years old.

Found: Chadwick (Liberal Democrat; Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru; Caerfyrddin) Gill German

Found: Chadwick (Liberal Democrat; Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru; Caerfyrddin) Gill German

Found: Chadwick (Liberal Democrat; Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru; Caerfyrddin) Gill German

Found: Chadwick (Liberal Democrat; Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru; Caerfyrddin) Gill German

Submit Evidence (by 4 Nov 2026)

The committee will examine the department's progress in delivering 'Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy', which was published in December 2025.