Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that children are aware of the dangers of using social media apps.

The new computing curriculum was introduced in September 2014 and includes e-safety, using technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, at all Key Stages. The e-safety content was developed with input from experts including Childnet, NSPCC and the UK Safer Internet Centre. The computing curriculum is compulsory in state maintained schools and free schools and academies may use it as a benchmark.

There is progression in the e-safety content across the key stages to reflect the different and escalating risks that young people face as they get older. From Key Stage 1, children are taught how to keep personal information private, and where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies, which could include social media apps. The introduction of e-safety content in Key Stages 1 and 2 reflects the fact that children are increasingly using technology and social media from a young age, and it is intended to inform pupils of good practice in staying safe online from an early age.

The Internet Safety Strategy, which will look at how best to prepare parents/carers and children to successfully manage online risks including those presented by social media, will be published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in the autumn.