UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as , ‘inevitable’
Children in Britain encounter violent online content, including material promoting self-harm, at primary school age, viewing it as an “inevitable part” of internet use. Research indicates this challenge for governments and tech companies like Meta, Google, Snap Inc, and ByteDance to implement safeguarding measures for minors. Britain passed legislation requiring social media platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful content by enforcing age limits and age-checking measures. Ofcom has the authority to fine tech companies for non-compliance, though penalties are pending the development of codes of practice. Messaging platforms, particularly WhatsApp, have resisted parts of the law that could compromise end-to-end encryption. A report, commissioned by Ofcom and conducted by Family Kids & Youth, found that all 247 children interviewed, aged 8-17, encountered violent content online, including violent gaming content, verbal discrimination, and footage of street fights, primarily through social media, video-sharing, and messaging sites and apps. Children reported feeling powerless over the content suggested to them and had a limited understanding of recommender systems, referring to them as “the algorithm.”