Laura Trott, the Conservative Party's Shadow Education Secretary, has voiced strong opinions on policies affecting families and children, including a push to ban social media for individuals under 16. Speaking in an interview, Trott highlighted concerns about the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on children's physical and mental well-being.
Trott noted a significant increase in childhood myopia, alongside skeletal and mental health issues, which she attributes in part to widespread screen use. She pointed out the increasing reliance on digital tools in schools, with smartphones and QR codes becoming standard for accessing timetables and homework, even for young children.
"The social media companies lobbied so hard to stop it because they want to get children early: the earlier they start, the more time they spend on the platforms and the more money they make," Trott stated. "They're monetising our children, which shouldn't be allowed."
While she supports a ban on social media in schools, Trott expressed a personal desire to extend this to a complete prohibition of smartphones for under-16s, acknowledging it as a step-by-step process. Her efforts have focused on removing screens from classrooms, advocating for a return to traditional textbooks.
Childcare policy was another key area of discussion. The Conservatives plan to address the "cliff edge" in childcare entitlement, which currently penalizes working parents when one partner's earnings exceed £100,000. Trott emphasized the party's commitment to supporting working families and encouraging childbirth amidst declining birth rates. "We want working families to have children," she said, contrasting this with Labour's policies.
Trott also defended the Conservatives' education reforms initiated under David Cameron, crediting them with improving international rankings in reading and maths for English pupils. She criticized the current government for what she described as dismantling these reforms, warning of long-term negative consequences.
"Our schools are probably the biggest public policy success of the last couple of decades," Trott remarked. "The tragedy... is that Labour are now undoing it, and we won't see the damage – the vandalism, I'd say – for many years to come."
She specifically criticized the imposition of VAT on independent schools and the removal of Academy freedoms, arguing these moves centralize control and undermine the choice and accountability that drove previous improvements. Trott attributed these policy shifts to union influence.
Regarding social issues, Trott reiterated a clear stance on religious attire in schools, stating she does not believe hijabs should be part of school uniforms, viewing them as a potential instrument of female suppression. However, she differentiated this position from support for faith schools in general.
Trott also commented on Kemi Badenoch, describing her as "Madonna-level" for her single-name recognition and clear political vision.
On broader concerns about women's safety and single-sex spaces, Trott aligned with Kemi Badenoch's vocal stance, criticizing the government's record on protecting these spaces. She referenced a constituent's experience with an illegal migrant who allegedly misrepresented his age, underscoring her view that such concerns should not be dismissed.
In her assessment of the political landscape, Trott dismissed criticism of Reform UK, calling their rhetoric "menacing." She also expressed disappointment with Keir Starmer's recent conference speech, stating it lacked substance on pressing economic and international issues.