Study launched into effects of social media on children

The government has announced the launch of a study to explore the effects of smartphone and social media use on children.

The first stage of the project will examine what methods will best help the government understand the impact of smartphones and social media use on children after a review by the UK Chief Medical Officer in 2019 found the evidence base around the links to children’s mental health were insufficient to provide strong conclusions.

The project will improve policy makers understanding of the relationship between children’s wellbeing and smartphone use and help direct future government action.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has also set out his priorities for the online safety regulator, Ofcom, as it prepares to implement and enforce the laws set out in the Online Safety Act next year.

The Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP), includes ensuring safety is baked into platforms from the start so more harm is caught before it occurs, pushing for more transparency from technology companies on what harms are occurring on their platforms, and creating a digital world that is inclusive and resilient to harm, including disinformation.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "We’re firing the starting gun on research which will help build the evidence base we need to keep children safe online.

"I am committed to using all the tools at our disposal from monitoring the impact of new laws, creating more and better evidence, and working with online safety campaigners and charities to achieve this goal."