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Social Media: Children

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 15 September 2025UIN 72525

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of social media on children’s mental health in rural areas.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

The government is working to expand the evidence base on the impact of social media on children across the UK. In December 2024 DSIT commissioned a feasibility study into research to understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children. The report will be published in due course.

In addition, Ofcom has a large programme of work underway to help build further understanding of the impact of online services’ features and functionalities on children.

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