UK should not legislate to control children's use of technology, says culture secretary

Matt Hancock refuses to rule out law to protect minors online, but would stop short of French measures

The UK culture secretary, Matt Hancock, does not allow his own children to have mobile phones and thinks none should have access to devices overnight, but would not follow the French government's lead in legislating on the issue.

Hancock, whose brief includes digital issues, said: "Keeping children safe online is mission-critical, and everybody has a responsibility. The parents have a responsibility to ensure that children use technology appropriately. For instance, I allow my children to do their homework online, but I don't let them on to social media.