Online Safety: Government Priorities
The UK government is taking significant steps to enhance online safety for children and teenagers. The Online Safety Act marks a crucial beginning, with Ofcom tasked to implement key priorities to protect young users online.Big Sister applauds the government's initiative to launch a research project investigating the impact of smartphones and social media on teenagers. While anecdotal evidence suggests online harm exists, a comprehensive study examining both risks and benefits will likely lead to a more nuanced approach to child online safety. This evidence-based strategy is preferable to an outright ban, which may not address all concerns effectively. Big Sister offers a balanced solution, providing a safety net without compromising children's privacy. This approach aligns well with the government's priorities for online child protection. See Big Sister’s Danger List here.
Key developments in online safety for children and teenagers include:
Implementation of the Online Safety Act
Ofcom's role in enforcing new regulations
Focus on safety by design principles
Increased transparency and accountability for online platforms
Emphasis on building an inclusive and resilient online society
Support for innovation in safety technologies
Research into the effects of smartphones and social media on young users
These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to creating a safer online environment for children and teenagers while promoting responsible digital citizenship.
See below for the official announcements from Ofcom and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Source: learning.nspcc.org.uk
Source: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Date published: 20 November 2024
”The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced new online safety priorities for Ofcom as it continues its work to implement the Online Safety Act. Ofcom will have to report back to the Secretary of State on what action it has taken against the priorities. The draft Statement of strategic priorities for online safety focuses on five key areas: implementing safety by design; increasing transparency and accountability of online platforms; maintaining regulatory agility to keep pace with changing technology and behaviour; building an inclusive and resilient online society of well-informed users; and supporting continued innovation in safety technologies. The Government has also announced plans for a new research project looking at the effects of smartphones and social media on children to help build the evidence base around online harms.”
Read the press release: New online safety priorities for Ofcom and launch of study into effects of social media on children
Read the paper: Draft statement of strategic priorities for online safety