Safer internet ahead: UK government unveils new rules to protect children online
New study and five key priorities aim to tackle online risks and create a safer digital environment for children
The UK government is introducing new rules to make the internet safer, especially for children. These changes are part of the Online Safety Act, which will start next year. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle shared five key priorities to make online spaces safer for everyone.
“Keeping children safe online is a priority for this government,” said Kyle. “We are making sure social media sites are built with safety in mind and holding companies responsible when they don’t protect users.”
The five goals include making platforms safer by design, being open about risks, using new tools to tackle harmful content, and addressing issues like fake news. The government also wants to make the internet safer and more inclusive for everyone.
The Government has also announced a new research project to better understand the effects of social media and smartphones on children’s mental health. This study will build on a 2019 review by the UK Chief Medical Officer titled "Screen-based activities and children and young people’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing: a systematic map of reviews".
That review found that there wasn’t enough strong evidence to fully understand the impact of screen time on children’s mental health. The new project will explore the best ways to measure these effects and help shape future policies to protect young people.
Maria Neophytou from the NSPCC, a charity that helps children, praised the government’s actions. “We hear every day about the harm kids face online, like bullying, harmful content, and exploitation. Tech companies must take responsibility and make their platforms safer,” she said.
Ofcom, the online safety regulator, will start enforcing these rules next spring and will report back on how well platforms are meeting the new standards.
These changes aim to create an online world where children are shielded from dangers and can safely enjoy the digital space. The government says it will keep updating these rules as technology evolves.