Social media firms profit while neglecting child safety concerns
Dame Rachel de Souza urges urgent action on online safety for kids
The Children’s Commissioner has highlighted that social media firms are profiting significantly from young users while overlooking the detrimental impacts on them. Dame Rachel de Souza expressed concerns that children’s online safety remains largely at the mercy of tech companies, as new protective laws face delays.
She criticised the slow pace of government and Ofcom in enacting necessary legislation to safeguard children, who continue to suffer in the interim. Her remarks appear in a foreword to a comprehensive report, which draws on the online experiences of over 250,000 children and parents.
This extensive report reveals that children encounter cyberbullying, sexual grooming, and harmful content related to eating disorders or self-harm. It also warns of increasingly sophisticated harmful content, such as explicit pornography concealed within online games.
One year since the landmark Online Safety Act passed, children's safety is still subject to the whim of tech companies. We need urgent change that matches the pace of evolution online & responds to children's experiences. Read my full piece @Telegraph 👇 https://t.co/LNWnLZqcT7
— Dame Rachel de Souza (@Rachel_deSouza) October 29, 2024
Concerns were raised about children feeling a lack of control over their digital lives, with worries about phone addiction and the influence of social media algorithms. Dame Rachel highlighted that the pace of implementing protective measures lags behind the rapid advancement of technology and its creators.
She emphasised the critical opportunity to shield children from harm, urging Ofcom to prioritise children’s interests over corporate gains. She cautioned against passivity, warning of the risk of failing current and future generations.
The study revealed that up to 69 per cent of children under 13 and over a fifth of teenagers do not feel secure online. More than three-quarters of those who felt unsafe online reported dissatisfaction with their appearance due to social media pressures regarding body image.
An Ofcom representative commented on the mandatory consultation on the Act, stating it ensures better regulation and legal robustness. They noted that while some tech companies have taken positive steps, there is an expectation for them to do much more to protect users, especially children, as new obligations take effect from December. Ofcom expressed readiness to enforce actions against any companies that fail to meet these standards.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Children’s Commissioner emphasizes that tech companies must listen to children’s views to ensure online safety, highlighting the importance of children’s authentic experiences in debating digital protection.(read more)
- The Telegraph reports Dame Rachel de Souza criticizes tech giants for ignoring harm to children online, calling for urgent action and new laws to safeguard young people’s safety.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How are social media companies affecting children?
Social media companies profit from young users while exposing them to cyberbullying, grooming, and harmful content.
What issues did the Children’s Commissioner highlight?
Dame Rachel de Souza highlighted the slow implementation of laws to protect children online.
What percentage of children feel unsafe online?
Up to 69% of children under 13 and over a fifth of teenagers feel insecure online.
How are children affected by social media pressures?
Over three-quarters report dissatisfaction with their appearance due to social media body image pressures.
What is Ofcom’s stance on tech companies and child protection?
Ofcom expects tech companies to do more to protect children and is ready to enforce actions if standards aren’t met.
