CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – SOCIAL MEDIA & MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS - 24 February 2026

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – SOCIAL MEDIA & MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS - 24 February 2026

Sir Julian Lewis: Has the Minister had any opportunity to form conclusions about whether excessive involvement with social media and other online potential harms has contributed to an apparent significant increase in the levels of mental health disorders?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Dr Zubir Ahmed): The right hon. Gentleman is right to highlight this very live issue. As a doctor, a parent and a Minister, it is live in my mind, as it is in the minds of hon. Members across the House. It is important that we follow the evidence, and act safely and proportionately in response to that evidence. The right hon. Gentleman will know this Government’s ambition, and the direction that we want to set to ensure that young people are kept safe online.]