On Monday the House of Commons had a chance to take a clear step to better protect children online — but sadly the Government chose not to take it.
As Shadow Education Secretary, I forced votes on removing smartphones from schools and raising the minimum age for social media access to 16. Both were practical measures designed (and asked for by) parents, teachers and young people as they navigate the growing challenges created by smartphones and social media.
I share the frustration that many parents and teachers will be feeling across our community. Over the past year I have spoken to many families, school leaders and young people about the impact smartphones and social media are having on children’s lives. Concerns about mental health, sleep, attention and online harms come up time and time again.
As many readers will know, this is an issue that really matters to me and one I have written about in this column before. I strongly believe we need to do more to support parents and schools as they navigate the challenges created by smartphones and social media.
The proposals we voted on would have given schools clearer backing to remove smartphones from classrooms and helped ensure that children are not exposed to social media platforms at increasingly younger ages. They would not have solved every problem overnight, but they would have been an important step in the right direction.
Instead, the Government chose to vote them down.
This was a mistake. We cannot simply keep commissioning reviews and consultations while the challenges continue to grow. Parents and teachers deserve to know that Parliament is prepared to take difficult decisions where necessary to safeguard children.
But, the fight is far from over and I will continue pressing the Government to move faster and further to protect young people online.
On a more positive note, last Friday I was thrilled to once again co-host the Apprenticeship Fair at Maidstone Leisure Centre alongside four of my Kent MP colleagues.
More than 40 organisations attended — including local employers such as UK Power Networks and FM Conway, alongside major organisations like Amazon, Fidelity International and the NHS. School pupils from across Kent, including Parkwood Hall, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and Weald of Kent Grammar, came along to explore future opportunities.
It was great to see so much enthusiasm from young people as they begin planning their futures. One of the most encouraging aspects of the fair was the wide range of opportunities on offer — from technical and trade apprenticeships to careers in areas such as project management, accountancy and healthcare. And there were also organisations supporting students at the pre-apprenticeship stage, helping them prepare for the skills they need to apply successfully.
Apprenticeships are changing lives across Kent and I will continue to do all I can to promote them as a strong and viable option for young people and those looking to retrain.
