Social Media: Children
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of blanket age-based restrictions on children who benefit from online spaces, including children with additional needs.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan
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.
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