Online safety for young people must become a greater priority, according to a new report from the Youth Select Committee—a group of 14 to 19-year-olds supported by the UK Parliament. The report criticizes the current Online Safety Act for failing to fully protect children from exposure to violent and harmful online content.
While the government claims it is “making our streets and online spaces safer for children” through its Plan for Change, the committee believes much more must be done to safeguard the mental and emotional well-being of young internet users.
Social Media Algorithms Promote Harmful Content
Wania Eshaal Ahmad, the 15-year-old chair of the Youth Select Committee, said it was “quite abhorrent” that social media algorithms often promote harmful and violent content just to keep young people engaged. She warned that constant exposure to such material could lead to desensitisation among youth.
The committee emphasized that banning under-16s from social media—as recently done in Australia—is not a practical or effective solution. Instead, they argued for improved regulation and accountability for social media platforms.
Media Literacy and Support for Educators
The report recommends integrating media literacy education into school curricula, including lessons on how algorithms work and how to critically assess online information. It also calls for enhanced training and support for teachers, parents, and carers to help young people understand the risks associated with digital spaces.
Online Safety Act Criticized as Inadequate
Although the committee welcomed the Online Safety Act’s provisions requiring social media companies to remove illegal content, it concluded that the legislation lacks the strength to enforce minimum age limits and to prevent exposure to harmful material.
The committee urged the government to introduce an online safety scorecard that rates platforms based on how well they protect users. It also called for more transparency by publicly naming platforms that fail to comply with safety regulations.
Engage Young People in Policy Discussions
Young people’s voices must play a greater role in shaping future online safety policies, the report argued. Committee members stressed the importance of youth-led insights and solutions, stating that engagement with young users is essential for real change.
“We don’t need empty promises,” Wania said. “We need them to take action. Action is the only way forward.”
The Youth Select Committee is an initiative by the National Youth Agency, supported by the House of Commons, aimed at involving young people in shaping public policy.
