Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life - Statement

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 7:33 pm on 7 July 2025.

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Photo of Baroness Smith of Malvern Baroness Smith of Malvern Minister of State (Education), Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities) 7:33, 7 July 2025

We had a lengthy debate about this in Committee on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. I certainly agree with the noble Lord that supporting parents to read with their children, for example, rather than simply giving them screens to look at—that is part of this initiative—and finding ways to help parents to understand the impacts of screen time, which we talked about in considering those amendments, are important. In that debate, I undertook to ensure that we continued the work we are doing on gathering evidence around the impact of screen time and making sure that we are providing strong and positive alternatives for children and support for parents.