Skip to main content
Menu

How do we improve children’s media literacy both in and outside of school? Lords to ask experts

Friday 25 April 2025

The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee will next week take evidence on how to improve media literacy among children and protect them from online harms both as part of school curriculums and outside of school.

The inquiry is considering the key actions required to enhance media literacy skills across the UK population, to enable citizens to engage with the digital world safely and responsibly.

The Committee will hear evidence in two sessions from 2:30pm on Tuesday 29 April in Committee Room 2 of the House of Lords. Giving evidence to the Committee will be:

2:30pm

  • Carolyn Bunting MBE, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Internet Matters
  • Jonathan Baggaley, Chief Executive Officer, PSHE Association
  • Claire Pollard, Executive Board Member, Media Education Association

3:30pm

  • Alistair Barfield, Director and Founder, Deflect and Protect
  • Vicki Shotbolt, Chief Executive Officer, Parent Zone
  • Matteo Bergamini MBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Shout Out UK

In the first session the Committee will question the witnesses on how media literacy is taught in schools and how this could be improved. The session will explore whether changes to the national curriculum are required and how teachers can be supported and trained to deliver effective media literacy education.

The second session will look at how to develop media literacy outside of school, including what support parents need to help their children understand and navigate the media and online world. The session will also cover the role of online platforms and gaming companies in developing young people’s media literacy.

Lords press office

Lords Enquiry Service and FAQs

House of Lords FAQs

The Lords Enquiry Service provides information on the role, work and membership of the House of Lords.

  • Telephone: 0800 223 0855 (Freephone) or 020 7219 3107
  • Email: hlinfo@parliament.uk
  • Text Relay: 18001 7219 3107

The telephone enquiry service is open from 10am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am - 4pm on Fridays. During recess, the hours are 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Please note that the Enquiry Service is unable to forward emails to members of the Lords on your behalf. You can find a member's contact details on their webpage, or use contactholmember@parliament.uk.