Social media and gaming firms give evidence on screentime
Representatives of major social media firms TikTok, Meta and Snapchat alongside the gaming firm Roblox, will give evidence to the Education Committee on the impact of screentime and social media on children.
Meeting details
The Government is currently consulting until May on proposals such as banning under-16 year olds from social media, following the approach introduced in Australia, and on potentially restricting addictive features such as infinite scrolling.
Committee members are likely to ask witnesses about the potential harms that children and young people could suffer from algorithms, addictive features and exposure to online abuse, sexual grooming or bullying, as well as the benefits they might gain from social media and gaming.
The Committee will also hear from academic experts on the effects of screentime. MPs are likely to ask these witnesses about their assessment of the link between screentime and harmful consequences for children, and what role parents can play in protecting their children.
MPs are also likely to ask both sets of witnesses for their views on a potential ban on social media for under-16s, and what alternative measures might be taken to reduce harm from social media.