Screen use, artificial intelligence and social media: Impact on children and young people

Screens, social media and AI are a key and increasingly common part of children and young people’s lives. The use of these technologies may include both positive and negative effects, with concerns focused on the overall impact on young people’s health, development and safety. The government has announced it will introduce new guidance and restrictions to attempt to tackle these issues, including plans for a ban on under-16s using social media.

Screen use, artificial intelligence and social media: Impact on children and young people

Using patient data for research: Challenges and policy developments

Research using large-scale patient datasets has enabled advances in healthcare. However, scientists and data controllers face challenges including fragmented systems, complex governance and data security. While members of the public are largely in favour of their information being used to improve health outcomes, concerns remain about data breaches and commercial interests. Through the creation of the Health Data Research Service, the government aims to simplify access to health data and support innovation.

Using patient data for research: Challenges and policy developments

Digital and technology policy and national sovereignty

Digital sovereignty has become a pressing policy issue as governments seek to balance economic opportunity, security and control over critical technologies. Particular concerns have been raised over the market dominance in several key areas by a small number of powerful companies, predominantly headquartered in the United States and China. Debate has focused on how the UK can adapt to this changing environment and to what extent it should seek to expand its own sovereign capabilities and to regulate overseas providers, whilst sustaining international collaboration.

Digital and technology policy and national sovereignty

  • In Focus

    Space economy and the UK: Lords UK Engagement with Space Committee report

    The House of Lords UK Engagement with Space Committee has examined the UK’s potential role in emerging economic opportunities presented by the growth of space exploration and commercialisation. To harness these opportunities, the committee said that the UK’s space sector requires clearer strategic direction, an updated funding structure, and better cross-government working. It called on ministers to champion the space sector as crucial to future economic growth and national resilience.

  • Research Briefing

    Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill: HL Bill 32 of 2026–27

    The Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill is a government bill intended to strengthen the cyber security of organisations in the UK that provide essential services, such as healthcare, drinking water and energy. It would amend the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018 to include additional sectors and update incident reporting duties. It would also confer powers on the secretary of state to amend the legislation and issue directions to organisations when necessary for national security. The bill is scheduled for its second reading in the House of Lords on 14 July 2026.

  • In Focus

    Law on the regulation of fertility treatment

    The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 regulates in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and human embryo research in the UK. Recently, there have been calls for reform to reflect changes in societal attitudes and scientific developments since the act was last updated in 2008. The government has said it is considering recommendations made by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the sector’s independent regulator.

  • In Focus

    Artificial intelligence: Impact on human relationships and society

    Over half of adults and young people in the UK use generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can produce human-like content and dialogue. Uses range from work and study to therapy and companionship. Academics and other commentators have considered whether using AI as a friend could be detrimental to users’ ability and desire to maintain relationships with other humans. This briefing also provides a short overview and suggested further reading on AI’s other impacts on society.

  • In Focus

    AI regulation in the UK: Debate on the need for cross-sector legislation

    The UK does not have AI-specific legislation or regulators. The government previously planned to introduce an AI bill to “ensure the safe development and use of AI models” but has since opted for a more targeted approach. Supporters of cross-sector legislation argue it is required to mitigate a broad range of current and future AI risks while critics claim this approach may stifle innovation through excessive regulatory burdens.

  • In Focus

    Draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026: Fatal motion

    The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 would make changes to three sets of assimilated regulations which concern chemicals in Great Britain. The government has said that the changes would rectify a number of issues that could not be addressed at EU exit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Northern Ireland, divergence from the EU, efficiency savings and further legislation.

  • In Focus

    Cyber security and the UK government

    Cyber security is becoming an increasingly salient issue as society becomes more dependent on digital services and the capabilities of malicious actors evolve. The government is a significant target for cyber attacks, particularly those aiming to disrupt public services or conduct espionage. This briefing provides an introduction to cyber security and recent plans to strengthen government cyber security.

  • In Focus

    Media literacy: Lords Communications and Digital Committee report

    The committee’s report raised concerns about public risk from misinformation, disinformation and online harms. The committee recommended enhancing media literacy, including through national curriculum reforms, an industry levy to fund education, and better coordination of support for adults, especially parents. The government agreed on the importance of media literacy, citing measures under the Online Safety Act 2023, cross-government work, and forthcoming updated media literacy teaching following the curriculum review.

  • In Focus

    Public Order Act 2023 (Interference with Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2025

    New government regulations would designate UK life sciences facilities as key national infrastructure, extending police powers to act against protest activity at such facilities. The government argues the changes are necessary to protect these sites from ongoing disruptive activity, much of which is directed against the use of animals in scientific research. Campaigners have criticised the plans as an infringement on the right to protest and unnecessary legislative overreach.

  • In Focus

    Superintelligent AI: Should its development be stopped?

    Artificial superintelligence (ASI) is a hypothetical future form of AI with cognitive functions and highly developed thinking skills more advanced than any human. While some have claimed it might be possible “in a few thousand days”, others are more sceptical about its development. Concerns have been raised that ASI presents an existential threat to humanity and its creation should be prevented or more strictly regulated.

  • In Focus

    Potential future risks from autonomous AI systems

    Some experts argue that future autonomous AI systems may be able to evade human oversight and control. The likelihood and potential impacts of such “loss of control” incidents are debated as the trajectory of future AI advancement is uncertain. To address this risk, the UK has adopted non-statutory principles to guide responsible development and use but currently lacks AI-specific regulations or legislation.

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