Why is change needed?
Right now, much of the online world is filled with sites and platforms that harm children. For parents and families, it can feel overwhelming – almost impossible – to make sure their children are safe.
Many children are being exposed to unsafe online platforms, feeling addicted to their devices, and facing abuse and exploitation online. While the online world has plenty of benefits, these must not come at the cost of children’s safety and wellbeing.
We’ve seen that tech companies will do anything to avoid acting unless they’re forced. All over the world, tech companies have knowingly sacrificed children’s safety for profit. In Australia, despite a social media ban, children continue to access unsuitable sites. We can’t let children in the UK pay the price for tech companies’ failings.
Time is up for tech companies, and we need to see serious and urgent change. Join us in demanding a safer online world for children.
Become an NSPCC campaigner today
What changes do we need to see?
We’ve been campaigning for a safer online world since 2018, demanding laws that make children’s safety a priority for tech companies. Our work led to the Online Safety Act in 2023, which was a milestone for children.
But as new technology accelerates and new risks emerge daily, we need to go further to protect children.
The UK Government has recognised action is needed and launched a consultation to consider the steps it might take to stop children being harmed online. Now it’s time to seal the deal.
We believe there are three key, urgent changes needed to protect children – changes that go beyond what a simple social media ban could achieve.
Tech companies must…
Prove platforms are age-appropriate
Make sure services prove they are safe and age-appropriate before children can use them, and enforce their age limits so that young children can’t access services that aren’t designed for them.
End addictive design
Ban the use of addictive design tricks which keep children endlessly gaming, scrolling and watching.
Block harm across online spaces
Build safety into every device, platform, and AI tool, so children don’t create, share or see harmful content or illegal images.
