Committee publication · Correspondence · 16 June 2026
Letter from Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Screen Time and Social Media dated 15.06.26
From: Education Committee
Inquiry: Screen Time and Social Media
Summary
Letter from Science Secretary Liz Kendall to Helen Hayes MP (Education Committee) outlining government's response to the 'Growing up in an online world' consultation. The government announces major new protections: a ban on social media access for under-16s using age assurance technology, restricted risky features (livestreaming, stranger contact) for under-16s across services, default protections for 16-17 year-olds, and restrictions on AI chatbots offering sexual interaction. Over 116,000 respondents supported action, with 90% of parents backing an under-16s social media ban.
Key findings
- 116,000+ people contributed to consultation; 90% of parents support banning under-16s from social media access
- Government will mandate social media companies use age assurance to exclude under-16s; companies responsible for product safety
- Risky features (livestreaming, unknown-user contact) to be restricted for under-16s across apps/gaming/AI services; 16-17 year-olds get default protections
- AI chatbots designed for sexual interaction banned for children; general-purpose chatbots require age verification for sexually explicit features
- Offline enrichment measures: DCMS funding for schools' enrichment programmes and National Youth Strategy to support young people's social connections and skill development
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Liz Kendall MP, Helen Hayes MP, Education Committee, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Department for Education (DfE)
Notable line
“I have always been clear that children's online safety is my top priority. While the UK has some of the strongest online safety laws in the world, and this government has taken decisive steps to strengthen it …”
Key Quotes
“I have always been clear that children's online safety is my top priority. While the UK has some of the strongest online safety laws in the world, and this government has taken decisive steps to strengthen it, we have also been clear that further – more radical – steps are needed to deliver the change we need and that children deserve.”
“90% of parents told us they'd support a ban for under-16s accessing social media.”
“We heard their worries about how deliberate design choices mean that children find it difficult to disengage and can be exposed to more extreme content.”
“We believe it is the job of companies to make their products safe for children.”
“Our objective is not just to prevent access to certain services or features but to reset social norms.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗