Jo White MP
BASSETLAW'S STRONG VOICE
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It is an honour and a privilege to have been elected to serve the people of Bassetlaw as your Member of Parliament.
I want to be an MP who listens and understands the issues that matter to you. Please do sign up to receive my regular email newsletter and surveys. If you need my assistance, you can contact me using the form below.
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As your local MP, I am here to help. You can contact me using the form below or you can email me: [email protected]
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LATEST NEWS FROM JO
CAMPAIGNS
SOCIAL MEDIA
📱This week's column: Should Social Media Be Banned for Under-16s? 📱
Social media is now part of daily life for most people. It helps us keep in touch with friends and family, follow the latest news and feel part of what's going on in our local community.
When used in the right way, social media is a good thing. But the impacts on our children and young people are not always positive.
I have been contacted by a huge number of parents in Bassetlaw recently following the decision by the Australian government to ban social media for under 16 year olds. Social media companies are facing large fines if they fail to prevent children from using their platforms. The House of Lords recently voted for such a ban in the UK.
I have visited many schools across Bassetlaw in the last 18 months, and teachers have told me again and again how social media can be harmful to children’s social skills. They tell me young people are spending too much time on screens and not enough time talking, playing, and learning how to deal with the ups and downs of real life. This does not prepare them well for adulthood or the workplace.
Many schools already ban phones and social media during the school day, but problems that begin online do not stop at the school gate. Teachers are forced to manage the fallout from things that happen late at night and at home, distracting pupils and teachers from learning and teaching.
I have heard worrying stories about children losing sleep because they cannot stop scrolling. Others feel lonely, even though they are constantly connected. Parents have also raised concerns with me about children being exposed to harmful or extreme content that social media companies do not control well enough.
I am under no illusions that banning social media for children would not be a quick and easy fix. That is why any change must come with better alternatives. Children and teenagers need safe places to go, things to do, and chances to spend time together away from screens, and this will require finances and preparation.
The Government is already taking steps in this direction, and has promised up to 250 new or improved youth centres, 50 Young Futures Hubs, and extra support for youth workers, backed by £500 million of investment. For the first time in 15 years, there is also a new National Youth Strategy to improve young people’s lives over the next decade.
I am minded to support a social media ban for children aged under 16, but I want to hear your views on this. Please do complete my online survey. I want to hear from as many parents as possible:
www.jowhite.uk/social-media-survey
www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/opinion/political-opinion-jo-white-mp-column-vision-for-youth-supp...
Today I met with Baroness Gillian Merron, Health Minister with responsibility for women's health and maternity about the miscarriage cradle developed by Retford resident, Laura Cocoron.
Good progress was made and Laura will now be invited to a meeting with Department of Health officials.
Laura created a miscarriage cradle following her personal experiences, where she had to catch her loss in a Chinese takeaway container. Gillian had taken the time to learn about Laura, her experience, her work, and was very empathetic.
Today I held another successful Parliament tour thank you to everyone who joined me. It is always a pleasure to invite Bassetlaw constituents to Westminster 🇬🇧
I was also able to take everyone on a very special visit to Downing Street, including a surprise meet up with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves. ⭐️
If you are a Bassetlaw constituent and would like to go on a tour of Parliament, whether it's your first time or you're a returning visitor, please contact my office at [email protected]
🚧 Potholes, Potholes, Potholes! 🚧
I hear from so many Bassetlaw residents who are fed up with damaged roads. I use these roads just like everyone else, and the condition is simply not good enough.
Mayor Claire has committed £8.3 million to tackle potholes, yet Reform ran Nottinghamshire County Council has chosen to spend £75,000 on flags. Whilst I love our Union Flag, roads should be the priority.