Safer Phones Bill

Social media companies and the government must do more to shield young people from the pervasive use of mobile phones, harmful content and online risks. There remains a pressing need for stronger, enforceable protections for children’s safety online without compromising their ability to access beneficial digital resources.

My Liberal Democrat parliamentary colleagues and I will carefully scrutinise the proposals within the Safer Phones Bill to ensure they offer real, practical protections for children. We support efforts to place existing guidance on smartphone use in schools into law, allowing for sensible discretion where necessary, such as for young carers or children who need their phones for health-related reasons.

Beyond legal restrictions, education plays a vital role in online safety. Schools must be equipped to teach children about digital risks and responsible internet use, and parents must be supported with advice and tools to help safeguard their children in an increasingly digital landscape.

Additionally, we are calling on the Government to establish an independent children’s online safety advocate—an idea championed by the NSPCC. This would function much like a consumer watchdog, promoting and defending children’s interests in the digital space.

I will continue to advocate for robust online safety measures that are both effective and proportionate, and ensure this Bill delivers meaningful protection for children.