Political opinion: Horsham MP says action on children’s online safety is needed now
John Milne, Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, has welcomed government commitment to protecting children online, but has warned that action is needed now, not months down the line.
The Secretary of State announced a three-month consultation in Parliament today on children’s online safety. The consultation will examine a range of options, including banning social media for children under 16, raising the digital age of consent, introducing overnight curfews, and strengthening enforcement of age verification.
The Horsham MP has welcomed the government's commitment to the issue but warns that action is needed now.
The announcement comes as momentum continues to build locally around smartphone-free education. Heron Way Primary School implemented a smartphone-free policy from the start of this year, following extensive consultation with parents. Kingslea and Arunside Primary Schools have also taken this step, with many other local schools discussing similar approaches.
Mr Milne has recently written to primary schools in the constituency, encouraging them to adopt smartphone-free policies, and has been working closely with Rob Long, the Regional Lead for the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign.
Following the government announcement, John Milne, Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, said: “As a parent, I understand the concerns families have about smartphones and social media. In my own family, we held off as long as possible before giving our son a smartphone, knowing the risks these devices pose to young people's mental and physical health.
“I welcome that the government is paying greater attention to this issue. It's complex, and it's vital we get this right by listening to parents, schools, young people, and experts.
“However, I’m concerned that a three-month consultation risks delaying much-needed action. The harm caused by social media is not a future problem; it's happening now. Any changes following this consultation could still be many months away, when there are opportunities to act sooner, including through the Children and Wellbeing Bill currently making its way through Parliament.
“The Liberal Democrats are proposing a film-style age-rating system that tackles harmful platforms while preserving access to resources like Wikipedia and Childline. If a platform spreads harmful content or relies on addictive algorithms, it should not be allowed anywhere near our children.
“This goes hand in hand with preventing smartphone use in schools overall. I've been really pleased to collaborate with local campaigner Rob Long to promote this, as well as parents and school staff. I've also launched a survey to hear directly from constituents and will continue to push for practical solutions on this issue.
“After two decades of tech companies profiteering from our children's attention, we need smart and effective protection now.”
Regional Lead for the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, Rob Long said: “Smartphones have fundamentally reshaped childhood. Not because this is what any of us want for our children, but because, until now, choosing another path has felt impossible. Smartphone Free Childhood is a movement of families, schools and politicians standing together to delay smartphones and social media.
“Together we’re giving children back what truly matters: time to play, space to grow, freedom to be. I would like to thank John for his continued support on this.
“People are already losing faith in the government and its ability to keep children safe online. This hastily pulled together announcement is meant to appease the government’s backbenchers and rescue it from losing votes in the Lords.
“We have the evidence, we can attest to the harms, we have the answers, and the government has the powers. A consultation is music to the ears of the tech bros – it means delay rather than action and gives their well-paid lobbyists a chance to kick into gear.”