The last few weeks have brought a grim reminder of ever-evolving online threats. Recent weeks have seen the rapid growth of a vile new practice - the generation of non-consensual, sexualised images of women and girls by Elon Musk's AI tool, Grok.

While X has now announced that they will stop users from generating these kinds of images on their site, this is just the latest reminder for politicians and parents of the very real risks that unchecked time online can expose young people too. We know that children don't have to come across the most vile parts of the online world for their screen time to lead to harm.

From the potential developmental risks of excessive screen time early on in life, to the distractions of phones in schools, to the mental health dangers posed by online bullying or constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards, there are a whole host of areas where stronger action is needed to keep children safe.

For too long we have allowed these risks to develop unchecked or left parents to battle through managing them on their own. This simply cannot be right.

Teachers and parents must be empowered to support children to develop a healthy relationship with technology – teaching them how to use the tools that can help them to do their homework or connect with their friends, without being contacted by strangers, becoming addicted to apps or being exposed to content they aren't mature enough to understand. 

But I hear from parents across Hitchin and our villages that this is an uphill battle.

That's why as our MP I have been regularly speaking up on the urgent need for robust action. I am working with a group of MPs in Westminster to push for action on the rise in harms from social media, listening to the concerns of schools and the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, and making the case to government ministers to stand up for children, parents and teachers against the social media giants.

I am proud that the government is hearing our call, and this week announced that the first ever screen use guidance for parents of children under 5 will be issued in April. This will help ensure parents can expect to be supported and well-informed as they make decisions for their child's wellbeing – just as they would for advice on eating, sleeping or speaking. 

This is a vital step in making sure the youngest children get the best start in life when it comes to technology, but this alone this won't be enough.

So I am very glad that the Prime Minister confirmed this week that several departments are researching actively what further restrictions on social media for under 16s are needed, and looking at the evidence from Australia about the impact of the ban, the loopholes used and ways we could improve on their legislation.

Over the coming days, I'll be continuing to press the case to ministers in Westminster for measures to keep our children safe and healthy online. Hearing the experiences of parents, teachers and children are hugely helpful in making the case for this, so I will be holding a drop-in at Ronan's Café on screentime next month, and I'd always welcome readers to get in touch with me over email to share your own thoughts on this issue

Alistair Strathern MP, Member of Parliament for Hitchin