Mobile Phones and Social Media: Use by Children Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

Mobile Phones and Social Media: Use by Children

Mohammad Yasin Excerpts
Tuesday 20th January 2026

(1 day, 9 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Liz Kendall Portrait Liz Kendall
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The hon. Member raises an extremely important issue. I have put on record my determination for Ofcom to use the powers it has to act swiftly; I have made that very clear in private and publicly. I am more than happy to hear what more the hon. Lady thinks could be done.

Mohammad Yasin Portrait Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

As a signatory to a letter calling for an Australia-style model that places responsibilities on tech firms to block under-16s from social media, I welcome the Government’s consultation. Families in Bedford and Kempston are very clear that platforms are harming our children now. I am pleased that the Secretary of State is committed to a rapid consultation, but will she also commit to a clear timetable for bold action before more young lives are damaged?

Liz Kendall Portrait Liz Kendall
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I have said repeatedly in this House that we need to do the right and responsible thing, which is to consult. I do not want to hang around. I want to work out the very best and effective way forward, and I want proposals that will hold and last.