The next meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play will take place on Wednesday 8 July 2026, from 17:00–18:30 in Committee Room 17, House of Commons.
Attendance is strictly by invitation only.
Contact: appg@playengland.org.uk for further information or to express interest in attending.
This session will focus on Digital Play and Social Media, examining children’s play, rights, safety and wellbeing in digital environments.
The meeting will explore the opportunities and risks of digital play, the impact of social media on childhood, international approaches to regulation, and the rights implications for children’s time, space and freedom to play.
The session will bring together expert perspectives on digital play, online safety, children’s rights and emerging policy debates, including international approaches such as the Australia ban and the Canada model.
Discussions will include:
An overview of digital play and family gaming, led by Andy Robertson, digital play expert and founder of the Family Gaming Database, including reflections from his forthcoming book, Digital Playgue.
Perspectives from Lizzie Hacking, Yondr, on phone-free school approaches, pupil wellbeing, social interaction and the reported impact on play during breaktimes and lunchtimes.
Reflections from Dr Naomi Lott, University of Reading, on the Australia ban, the Canada model and the rights implications of regulating children’s access to digital spaces and social media.
An overview from Dr Amanda Gummer, Fundamentally Children on the Children’s Digital Wellbeing Framework an evidence-based model designed to help educators, parents, and tech developers support a healthy online balance
Summer Recess – Recommendations for Members
Watch: Toy Story 5
Read: The Amazing Generation
Celebrate: Playday 2026 - Visit your local events / Adventure Playgrounds
Minutes of the Meeting [DRAFT]