Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that future children’s online safety policy reflects the experiences of children with additional needs.

Protecting children online is a priority for the Secretary of State. Through our recent consultation, we heard directly from 14000 children and especially reached out to voices that are sometimes missed.

Following this, on 15 June, the government published a progress statement announcing a ban on social media services from providing their services to under 16s as well as targeted functionality restrictions on a wider range of online services. We recognise the need to support those with additional needs and the government is continuing to strengthen wider support for children. Our approach will reduce serious harms while preserving safe, positive online spaces.