Speeches by Perteghella.

“Is enhanced UFP monitoring something that the UK could integrate into its existing monitoring network? If so, what would be required to do so?”

“My question is to Professor Roy Harrison first, but the rest of the panel can also contribute. It has been notoriously difficult to capture and monitor reliable data on ultrafine particulate matter. What advancements have been made to improve this technology and what benefits could be had by capturing this data?”

“From a health study point of view, do you need that data?”

“Thank you. Do particular groups of children have especially negative experiences when using social media and gaming websites, compared with other groups of children?”

“Academics often focus on the mixed evidence about the impact of screentime and the lack of a causal link to harms. Why do you think there is such a disconnect between academic research, which as we have heard is going very slowly, and public opinion? Also, do you think there is a case for action now, while the research…”

“The game developers say that 30% of games flagged up for concerns get accepted. How do you respond to that?”

“Professor Orben, do you have anything to add?”

“How would you assess the effectiveness of the Government’s guidance on screentime for children up to the age of five?”

“Is it possible to establish a causal link between screentime and harmful consequences for children? If so, what is the timescale?”

“Ofcom’s data shows that 23% of under-13s in the UK have a TikTok account, 14% have an Instagram profile and 19% have a Facebook profile, despite being under the minimum age restriction. Your age assurance or verification measures are not working, are they?”

“The European Commission’s preliminary findings, published in October last year, said that Meta does not have sufficient mechanisms for children and parents to report illegal content. As we have heard, examples of that include sex offenders, suicide fora, violent pornography and misogyny, and so on. How are you tackling…”

“Does anyone else on the panel want to add to that?”

“Does anyone else want to add?”

“My question for the panel is: which types of screentime do you think are particularly harmful and which particularly beneficial for children?”

“Laura, we also heard some serious concerns regarding Roblox. There have been accusations that it is possible for people to create games depicting the mass shootings at Sandy Hook and Columbine, and even recreating Epstein island. What are you doing about that?”

“Yes, on screentime.”

“I try to report illegal content, and I do not understand what happens after you report it.”

“My next question is also on the guidance. The Education Policy Institute noted that the guidance did not include advice on managing screentime when children have older siblings and ensuring a consistent approach when children are with other family members. Professor Orben, what guidance should be offered on those issue…”

“Professor Orben?”

“That is fine. Professor Etchells, are there any other omissions from the guidance that you would like to highlight to us?”