Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the forthcoming guidance on healthy screen use for parents of children aged 5 to 18 will include advice on preparing for the restrictions on under-16s’ access to social media; and when she plans to publish that guidance.

The department is developing evidence-based screen use advice for parents and carers of children aged 5 to 18, building on existing screen time advice for families with children under five. The guidance will help parents make informed decisions based on their child’s age, needs and circumstances and will be published early next year. It will also signpost advice to help families prepare for the new social media restrictions.

The government is providing children with a safer and healthier online experience. We are raising the age for accessing social media to 16, alongside stronger protections around livestreaming, contact with unknown adults and harmful online features.

Alongside these protections, we want parents to have practical support to help their children develop healthy relationships with technology.

Across government, we are developing clear materials to help parents understand the new social media restrictions and support their children as they come into effect. Together, these measures will give families clearer information and greater confidence to help children navigate the online world safely.