Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if his Department will launch an inquiry into social media harms for young people.

The government is aware of concerns of the impact that being on smartphones and social media from a young age is having on children. This month, the government has commissioned a feasibility study into future research to understand the ongoing impact of smartphones and social media on children, to enhance the evidence base in this area.

The Online Safety Act requires online services in scope of the regime to tackle content that is harmful to children. Ofcom, the independent regulator for online safety, is due to finalise its Code of Practice for protecting children in Spring 2025 with the duties then expected to be in effect by Summer 2025.