Social Media & Children’s Wellbeing

I was pleased to see the Government announce a three-month consultation into children’s media usage which will consider a variety of measures to ensure online safety. In an age of increasing misinformation, addictive algorithms, and even abuse, there is no excuse for inaction on this issue.  

In January, I spoke on BBC Question Time about social media usage for under 16s, as well as the role of media platforms in undermining our democracy. You can listen to my views here. 

I have also been vocal about my concerns that social media companies are not doing enough to take down dangerous content online. Since the start of this year, I have been chairing a Foreign Affairs Select Committee inquiry into disinformation diplomacy. In March, we invited representatives from TikTok, X, and Meta to hear what measures social media companies are taking to keep users safe online. You can read the transcript and our full of our exchange and full report here.