Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has submitted the findings of a local West Lothian consultation on children’s online safety and social media use to the UK Labour Government.
The consultation, which included an online survey and local listening event, gathered views from parents, carers, teachers, young people and community members from across West Lothian on issues including social media age limits, online harms, mobile phone use in schools and digital wellbeing.
The findings have now been formally shared with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall MP, as part of wider discussions around online safety legislation and children’s wellbeing.
The survey revealed strong concern locally about the impact of social media and online platforms on children and young people, particularly around harmful content, bullying, excessive screen time, addictive platform design and mental health impacts.
A large majority of respondents supported the introduction of a legal minimum age for social media access, while many also backed stronger restrictions on online features designed to keep children engaged for longer, including algorithms, livestreaming, messaging strangers and location sharing.
There was also significant support for restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day, alongside flexibility for safeguarding, medical needs and additional support requirements.
Mr Poynton said: “Families across the Livingston constituency and West Lothian have raised very real concerns about the impact social media and online harms are having on children and young people.
“This consultation was about listening directly to local people, parents, teachers, carers and young people themselves, and ensuring those voices are heard as Government continues work on online safety and digital regulation.
“The responses showed strong support for tougher protections for children online, particularly around harmful content, addictive algorithms and age restrictions.
“At the same time, many people also recognised the positive role technology can play in education, communication and accessing support when used safely and responsibly.
“I want to thank everyone who took part in the survey, attended the local listening event or contacted me directly with their experiences and views.
“I have now formally submitted the findings to the UK Government so that the voices of people across Livingston constituency can help inform the wider national discussion on protecting children online.”
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The consultation also highlighted calls for greater support for parents and carers, including clearer guidance, stronger parental controls, more online safety education and better information from social media companies.
Free-text responses submitted through the consultation included concerns about online bullying, influencer culture, harmful content and enforcement of age restrictions, alongside calls for stronger regulation of major technology platforms.
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