Have Your Say on Children’s Online Safety

Social media is failing our children, and the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore. From harmful algorithms to toxic content designed to hook young minds, the online world is exposing young people to serious risks every day.

That is why, in recent months, the Liberal Democrats have stepped up pressure on the Government to take decisive action on children’s online safety. 

On 24th February 2026, we were the first party to force a vote in the House of Commons on bringing forward legislation to introduce a ban on harmful social media. Since then, we have backed cross-party amendments and set out our plan for a film-style age rating for under-16’s: an approach that strikes the right balance by blocking social media’s most harmful elements while still allowing young people to access vital educational resources.

Crucially, we have done so by consistently engaging with - and advocating for - parents, experts, and charities who continue to call for the protection’s children need. 

While the necessity for action was clear, we were disappointed the Government announced a national consultation on 3^rd March. However, this now gives us a timely opportunity to amplify your experiences and help shape the legislation that must follow.  

To ensure that the voices of people here in Newbury and West Berkshire are represented, and feed directly into the Liberal Democrats’ response to the consultation, the Liberal Democrats have launched two short surveys, each taking around 15 minutes to complete:

• The survey for students in KS3-KS5: Online Safety Consultation: Young People

• The survey for parents and other adults: Online Safety Consultation - Parents & Adults

  
  

As the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill returns to the Commons, the case for firm action is growing stronger by the week. Recent developments - including the landmark court case in Los Angeles and rising AI-generated fraud  - show that the era of social media companies avoiding accountability is coming to an end. By sharing your experiences, you will help us keep up the pressure on the Government to deliver real protections for children once the consultation closes.

Thank you to everyone who takes part.