INTERGENERATIONAL INSIGHTS FROM RUSHCLIFFE ABOUT SMARTPHONE AND SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS AND USAGE
James Naish, Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe, has published a detailed report examining children’s access to smartphones and social media, following a roundtable discussion held in Rushcliffe in January 2026. Over 200 parents and carers contributed to the work through surveys and shared experiences in advance, alongside direct engagement with local schools. The roundtable itself brought together pupils, parents, carers and educators to discuss how smartphones and social media are shaping young people’s lives.
James has been struck by the confidence and insight of young people, who showed a clear understanding of both the opportunities and risks associated with smartphones and social media, and a strong desire to be part of the conversation. At the same time, he heard deep concern from parents and carers, many of whom feel out of their depth and unsupported as they try to guide their children through an increasingly complex and fast-moving digital landscape.
The report comes at a critical moment in the national debate, with growing attention on children’s relationship with smartphones and social media. James argues that the current approach is not working for many families in Rushcliffe and that clearer expectations, better education and stronger accountability are urgently needed to restore confidence and ensure children can benefit from technology safely.
The report concludes with five recommendations:
- Establish clear and consistently enforced smartphone-free policies across primary and secondary schools, giving parents certainty and supporting a cultural shift in how young people engage with technology.
- Introduce a graduated, age-appropriate approach to social media access, recognising that different platforms present different levels of risk.
- Provide parents, carers and young people with clear, practical and standardised guidance on safe smartphone and social media use, supported by schools and wider public education.
- Use existing powers to ensure technology companies protect children by design, placing greater responsibility on platforms rather than leaving the burden solely with families and schools.
- Ensure that future policy is shaped by the voices and lived experiences of young people themselves, recognising their expertise and central role in this debate.
