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Written question asked by Sharon Hodgson (Labour) on Friday, 20 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.


Social Media: Young People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of social media age restrictions on young people accessing illegal platforms.

Answer

The government keeps this issue under close consideration . The Online Safety Act places robust duties on in-scope services to prevent children from encountering illegal content and activity.

We are shortly launching a consultation exploring children’s use of technology to understand how they can be better protected and how their wellbeing can be improved. The consultation will seek views across many issues, including a minimum age of access for social media.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
113479
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Access Young people Social media
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk