Children in the UK are still being exposed to unsafe content on major social media platforms, with regulators warning that TikTok and YouTube are “not safe enough”, according to a new report from Ofcom.
The watchdog criticised both platforms for failing to make significant changes to how harmful content is recommended to children through their algorithm-driven feeds, raising fresh concerns about child safety online across Britain.
Ofcom said its latest evidence shows that despite existing safeguards, TikTok and YouTube continue to expose under-18s to potentially harmful material, and that minimum age rules are not being properly enforced.
The regulator also confirmed it will raise concerns with the UK government as ministers consider stricter measures, including a possible ban on social media use for under-16s.
In response, YouTube said it works with child safety experts to provide “industry-leading, age-appropriate experiences”, while TikTok said it was disappointed by Ofcom’s findings and highlighted its existing safety tools, including restrictions on direct messaging for under-16s.
However, Ofcom maintained that both platforms had failed to commit to meaningful changes that would reduce the level of harmful content appearing in children’s feeds.
The report forms part of a wider review into how five major tech platforms are addressing child safety concerns online. It concluded that TikTok and YouTube had not gone far enough in redesigning systems that recommend content to younger users.
A senior analyst said the debate over online safety is shifting from removing harmful content after it appears to questioning why algorithms are recommending it to children in the first place.
The findings come amid growing political pressure in the UK for stronger regulation of social media companies and faster enforcement of online safety rules.
Dame Melanie Dawes said the regulator’s work is ongoing, warning that while progress has been made, significant risks remain.
She said Ofcom was prepared to take “the toughest enforcement action” where necessary, including formal investigations if companies fail to comply with safety requirements.
Ofcom also revealed that 84% of children aged eight to 12 are still using platforms that officially set a minimum user age of 13, highlighting widespread concerns over age verification systems.
The regulator warned that stronger legislation may be required if tech firms do not take faster action to prevent underage access and reduce exposure to harmful content.
Online safety experts said the findings were not surprising, pointing to similar challenges in other countries attempting to enforce social media age restrictions.
Some researchers have suggested that platforms may need to rely more heavily on behavioural data, such as viewing habits and interactions, to better identify users who are underage.
The report also highlighted new safety measures being introduced by several tech companies. Snapchat owner Snap has agreed to block adult strangers from contacting children by default in the UK and introduce stricter age verification tools.
Roblox will allow parents to fully disable direct messaging for users under 16, while Meta plans to restrict visibility of teen connection lists and deploy artificial intelligence tools to detect potentially harmful conversations.
Child safety charities welcomed the proposals but warned that enforcement will be key.
A leading online safety campaigner said major tech companies had too often been “complacent and evasive” in addressing risks faced by children online, and called for stronger regulatory action.
The UK government said Ofcom has its full support in holding platforms accountable and confirmed it is considering a range of options, including age limits, app curfews and even an outright ban for under-16s.
The government’s consultation on social media restrictions for children is due to close shortly, with further policy decisions expected later this year.
Meanwhile, parliamentary committees have called for urgent action to reduce addictive design features and improve protections for children using social media platforms.
Lawmakers have warned that voluntary measures are not enough, arguing that only stricter legal limits will ensure children are properly protected from online harm.