Access to online information and internet platforms has become an increasingly important aspect of children’s and young people’s everyday lives. The changing patterns of online access reveal pressing issues regarding the mental and physical wellbeing of young people, and the additional need for strengthening standards around regulation, accountability, and safeguarding.

Ofcom’s most recent report into social media use shows that while the majority of 12–17-year-olds were confident they could distinguish real and fake online content, only 11% correctly selected the correct option of a social media post in a misinformation survey, and only 32% were aware of online reporting or flagging functions. When considering online content, 70% of parents of children under the age of 16 were concerned about the material their child saw online, including violence, bad language, sexual and adult content.

There are growing concerns over the links between social media and higher rates of self-harm and suicide in children, and a need for quality online education and stronger protection mechanisms. The introduction of the Online Safety Bill into Parliament marked a significant step in regulating online content, creating safer spaces across all platforms, and implementing proportionate measures to protect and improve the wellbeing of young people.

Following IGPP’s Addressing the Impact of Social Media on Children and Young People event, this event will build partnerships, exchange ideas, and showcase solutions for developing a secure internet for young people. It will explore the emerging challenges, long-term impacts, and opportunities of online access for strengthening education, overcoming problems of online bullying, and regulating screen time.