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Social Media: Young People

Asked by Anna DixonLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 4 February 2026UIN 907720

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of social media on young people’s wellbeing.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

I know parents are worried about how social media impacts children's wellbeing.

Two weeks ago, we published a study led by Professor Amy Orben which reviewed recent causal research on this issue and found it to be inconclusive. There is more to be done, which is why we announced a swift consultation, backed by a national conversation.

We will gather the evidence necessary to identify next steps and give children the childhood they deserve.

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