Barnardo's responds to new data which reveals primary school children are viewing harmful content online
Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has released new findings which show that it is 'inevitable' for young children to be exposed to harmful and violent online content.
A number of studies and workshops with children revealed that many of them saw content which was not age appropriate, which normalised issues such as self-harming or eating disorders or put them at risk of cyberbullying.
CEO of Barnardo’s, Lynn Perry MBE said: “This illustrates just how easy it is for young children to stumble across content which is violent or depicts self-harm, eating disorders and suicide. Whilst undoubtedly disturbing, this sadly isn’t surprising.
“At Barnardo's, we regularly pick up the pieces when children’s mental wellbeing has been damaged by such harmful content. It can distort their views on what a healthy relationship is, normalise violence or desensitise them to serious mental health conditions.
“It shouldn’t be a foregone conclusion that young children see this sort of content online and then struggle with the impact this has on their mental health. The Online Safety Act must stop this, alongside robust action from Ofcom and technology companies, to ensure children can enjoy the benefits of being online in a safe and age-appropriate fashion.”
Notes to editors
At Barnardo's, our purpose is clear - changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful.
Last year, we provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK.
For over 150 years, we’ve been here for the children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong.