Adam Afriyie, the MP for Windsor, has welcomed a government review on the impact of technology, in particular social media, on children’s mental health and wellbeing. This review will examine, among other aspects, recent efforts made by companies to with regards to age verification, screen-time limits and cyber bullying.

This follows on from a letter written six months ago by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Hunt MP, challenging social media companies to take voluntary action.

ONS statistics show that 66% of British people over the age of 16 used social media, with the most frequent users being those aged 16-24, of whom 96% used social media.

 

The MP for the Windsor constituency, Adam Afriyie welcomed the figures:

“Technology has had a profound impact on the way we communicate, relax and keep in contact. This has ultimately changed society for the good, but I am concerned about some of the associated risks that come with this.

“I’m pleased that the Government has asked for voluntary action from the technology sector to start with. My sense is that the Government wishes to enact legislation only use as a last resort and this is the right approach in my view.

“As parents we are always careful to warn our children about threats to their physical health from habits such as smoking and obesity. I want us to protect our children from harm to their good mental health and emotional wellbeing.”

 

ENDS

Note to editors

1.    Adam Afriyie is the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Ghana and Guinea.

2.    He has a strong background in science, technology and innovation.

3.    He is currently Chairman of the Fintech APPG, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and President of the Conservative Science and Technology Forum (CSTF).

4.    He was shadow Minister for Science from 2007-2010 and has a background in the information services and technology sector.