Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 10 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 September 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Friday, 18 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Social Media: Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans she has to assess the potential impact of the (a) social media ban for under 16s and (b) smartphone ban in schools, once implemented, on the (i) mental health of, (ii) b of self-harm incidents amongst, and (iii) suicide attempts amongst teenagers.

Answer: Government will be monitoring the impact of the ban closely and conduct a full review three to five years after implementation, allowing time for the expected cultural change and long-term impacts on mental and physical health to emerge. The review will consider a range of metrics including regular reporting from children and parents on online experiences and the impact on children’s physical and mental health. Government has committed to reviewing the mobile phones in schools guidance and making any necessary revisions by September 2027.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 28971
Session: 2026-27
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Children Mobile phones Mental health Schools Suicide Self-harm Social media
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk