Social Media, AI, and Young People
My submission to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Online Safety
Over the past two months, I have been holding consultation sessions and roundtables with students, teachers, parents, and school leaders from across Buckingham, Bletchley, Tattenhoe, Winslow and the villages as part of the government’s national consultation on children’s experiences online, which has now closed.
The consultation examined issues including:
minimum age requirements for social media
restrictions on addictive platform features
children’s use of AI chatbots
support for parents and digital literacy
mobile phone use in schools
I want to thank everyone who took part and shared their views with me, whether through school events, roundtables, or written submissions. I was especially grateful to meet students and staff from schools, colleges and further education institutions across the constituency, including Akeley Wood School, Buckingham University, Furzedown Primary School, Lift Sir Herbert Leon Academy, Lord Grey Academy, MK College, and Stowe School.
What came through clearly in every conversation was that this is a complex issue - and it is vital that the government’s actions are measured and thought-through.
As I made clear in my letter to the Minister for AI and Online Safety, young people, parents, and teachers all recognised both the opportunities and the risks that come with social media, online platforms, and AI. Students spoke thoughtfully about the benefits technology can bring for learning, creativity, and communication, while also raising concerns around online safety, misinformation, addictive design features, bullying, and wellbeing.
These discussions reinforced the importance of getting the balance right: protecting young people online while ensuring they can still benefit from the opportunities technology provides.
I have now submitted a detailed response to the government consultation reflecting the views shared by people across the Buckingham and Bletchley constituency, and I will continue engaging with ministers as policy in this area develops.
Click here to read the letter in full.
