DUP politicians have cautioned that new measures to shield children from online harm will only succeed if they are enforceable in practice.

In the Northern Ireland Assembly, East Londonderry MLA Alan Robinson highlighted research linking heavy social media use to anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation and cyberbullying among young people.

He said parents are often locked in an unequal struggle against algorithms built to maximize engagement and screen time. While there is a strong case for tougher safeguards, Robinson warned that widespread use of virtual private networks could render any legislation ineffective, likening such laws to a chocolate fireguard.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart argued that big technology companies have failed to make their platforms safe for children and that the Government should force them to implement changes.

Lockhart stressed that the detail of any legislation will be critical. Announcements may generate headlines, she said, but protections must work in the real world. She called for lessons to be drawn from international experience.

She added that parents cannot be expected to take on some of the world’s largest technology firms alone. Government, industry, schools and families all have a part to play in helping young people benefit from technology without being exposed to unnecessary risk.