Ban social media, or make it safer? Government must put responsibility back onto tech platforms as consultation ends
As the UK Government’s consultation on Children’s Digital Wellbeing closes today, 5Rights Foundation has called on ministers to respond to growing public concern about children’s online experiences with practical, enforceable measures that put safety and wellbeing first.
The consultation was launched to examine the impact digital technologies, including social media and smartphones, are having on children and young people. Throughout the process, campaigners, parents, educators and experts have warned that children continue to be exposed to harmful and addictive design practices online, while public appetite for meaningful regulation has continued to grow.
Recent polling published by published by the Online Safety Act Network (OSAN). found strong support for a preventative approach to online safety, more than eight out of every ten UK adults backing requirements for companies to prove their products are safe by design before children use them.
The findings reflect growing consensus that the responsibility for children’s safety online should sit with the companies designing and profiting from digital services, rather than with children and parents alone.
Executive Director at 5Rights Foundation Leanda Barrington-Leach said:
“Launching this consultation, the government recognized that work needs to be done to ensure children’s experiences online are safe and enriching. Now, as it closes, the question is whether the government is going to be willing to do that work, digest the findings, and deliver meaningful change for children and families.
“It is crystal clear that there is enormous consensus that digital spaces are not currently safe for children, but it is equally clear that few believe blanket bans to be an effective solution. On the other hand, a whopping 84% of the UK public are convinced that requiring companies to prove their products are designed to be safe before use would keep everyone safe on social media platforms.
“People don’t want bans per se, they want solutions. It’s on governments to provide answers that deliver meaningful and sustainable change.”
