Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed the launch of two Scottish Government surveys which explore families’ experiences of smartphones, social media and going online.
Surveys for young people and parents
One survey has been designed for young people aged 11-25 to explore how they use screens, apps, and social media and ask about their experiences online. The second survey for parents and carers explores how confident they feel in supporting their children’s screen and internet use, and what resources, information or support they would find helpful to enable them to do so.
Although legislative powers around online safety lie with the UK Government, Scottish Ministers are currently conducting a review focussed on what more can be done to protect children and young people. The findings from this review and the two surveys will then be used to deliver new policy to reduce the impact of online harms.
MSP encourages families to share experiences
Ms Haughey said: “Internet and social media use amongst young people has been a very hot topic in recent times, and I know that many parents and carers, and young people themselves, have strong views on the subject.
“Young people today have access to huge amounts of information and connections to the outside world which can undoubtedly bring positive benefits, but can also have harmful impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.
“While legislation to manage online safety lies with the UK Government, the Scottish Government will continue to push UK Ministers on this issue – for example, by calling for a Social Media Levy on tech companies which could then be reinvested back into our young people.
“In the meantime, it’s a really positive step that the Scottish Government are focussing on what we can do in Scotland.
“It’s important that we gather the views of as many people as possible on this topic, especially around what support and information parents, carers, and young people themselves would welcome to keep them safe and supported online. I would encourage families to share their own experiences”.
The surveys can be accessed at https://www.gov.scot/news/protecting-young-people-from-online-harms.
