A Salford MP says parents across the city feel they are ‘fighting a losing battle’ against children’s screen use.
Michael Wheeler, MP for Worsley and Eccles, called on the families across his constituency to have their say on what measures can be taken to keep young people safe as they browse the internet.
Families in the area are being invited to have their say on how young people can be better protected online, as the Government launches a new consultation on children’s digital wellbeing.
“I speak to parents and carers across Worsley & Eccles who are deeply worried about the impact social media and constant screen use are having on their children’s sleep, confidence and mental health,” said Mr Wheeler.
“Many feel they are fighting a losing battle against apps designed to keep young people scrolling late into the night.”
“Young people also tell me they feel pressure to always be online, to respond, to compare and to keep up, even when it is affecting their wellbeing. Parents are often caught in the middle, trying to make difficult decisions about screen time, smartphones and online safety, without the support they need.”
“This consultation is a real opportunity to reset the balance and put children’s wellbeing first. I want families and young people in our community to help shape the rules, so technology supports childhood rather than undermines it. It is about helping the next generation grow up healthier and happier, with a balanced relationship with technology, so they can thrive both online and offline.”
Having opened on the 2nd of March, the consultation will gather views from across the country on topics such as social media, gaming platforms and the emergence of AI and their impact on young people’s online safety.
The consultation will examine risks and also measures for combating those risks such as overnight curfews, action on addictive platform features and stronger age verification on apps and websites.
Rather than focusing on specific policies, the consultation asks practical questions on what support families need, and how young people can be equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate the online world.
Three versions of the consultation are available: A full consultation for any member of the public, a survey for parents and carers of young people aged 21 and younger and a survey for children and young people aged 10 to 21.
The Government will respond in the summer and has reiterated their commitment to acting swiftly on the evidence gathered.
The consultations are available at gov.uk/growing-up-online and will close on the 26th May.
