New research has highlighted growing concerns about how safe adults believe it is for children to share personal content online, with younger generations significantly more relaxed about online sharing than older age groups.
According to the findings:
- 1-in-5 Millennials (25-34 year olds) said it’s safe for children to share photos of themselves online
- 1-in-5 younger adults (under 44) also think it’s safe for children to share opinions on their friends’ posts, as well as on strangers’, which could potentially encourage cyberbullying or dangerous online interactions.
The research, based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by safeguarding experts at Virtual College [1], suggests that attitudes towards children’s digital safety vary sharply by age, with younger adults consistently more comfortable with children sharing personal information, images and opinions online.
The data shows that adults aged 25-44 are far more likely than older generations to believe it is safe for children to post photos of themselves, comment publicly on others’ posts, or share images and videos of friends and family. In contrast, those aged 55 and over are significantly more cautious, with the majority believing children should not share any of the listed information online.
Safeguarding experts warn that these more relaxed attitudes risk underestimating the realities of children’s online experiences, particularly as social platforms, influencer culture and algorithm-driven content continue to expose young users to cyberbullying, unwanted contact and harmful interactions.
What parents say their children are being exposed to online
According to the research:
- 20% of parents said their child had been exposed to misinformation or false news online in the past 12 months
- 18% said their child had encountered encouragement to buy products through influencers or undisclosed advertising
- 13% reported exposure to content that promotes unhealthy comparisons or contributes to body image concerns
- 10% say their children were victims of cyberbullying and negative comments
Mary-Ann Round, Safeguarding Expert at Virtual College, said the research reflects what many professionals working with children are seeing on a day-to-day basis:
“Children are seeing a huge volume of online content every day, and much of it isn’t designed with their wellbeing in mind. False news, online abuse and unrealistic expectations are becoming part of everyday online life for many young people.
“While the research reveals what parents are aware of their child being exposed to online, it’s almost certain more unhealthy exposure happens out of sight of parents, through fast-moving apps and platforms that are hard to monitor. That’s why ongoing conversations and basic safety settings are so important, especially when children are using new devices.”
Practical steps families can take
While the scale of online content can feel overwhelming for parents, Mary-Ann outlines some realistic and straightforward steps that can help reduce risks and foster better conversations at home.
Start with conversation, not control
“Children are far more likely to come to adults when something feels wrong if they’re used to talking openly about their online lives. Asking what they enjoy watching, who they follow, and what they think about the content they see helps build trust and encourages critical thinking.”
Use basic safety settings as a foundation
“Privacy controls, age-appropriate filters and screen time limits won’t solve everything, but they do provide a helpful safety net. These tools are especially important when children are using new devices or platforms for the first time.”
Help children question what they see
“Misinformation, disinformation, advertising and influencer content can be difficult even for adults to spot. Encouraging children to pause, question where information comes from, and talk through anything confusing or upsetting helps them develop the skills they need to navigate online spaces more confidently.”
Why schools can’t tackle this alone
These findings come shortly after the government announced a £20m package to introduce misogyny training in schools.[3] While the move has been welcomed by many in the education and safeguarding sectors, experts have warned that schools cannot be expected to address the issues that are being shaped and reinforced online alone.
Mary-Ann added that online misinformation, influencer culture and misogynistic content are increasingly intertwined, and can have a lasting impact on children’s attitudes, relationships and sense of identity.
She said: “Online misogyny, amplified by algorithms and influencers, is having a profound impact on children’s wellbeing, relationships and sense of identity. Schools cannot tackle this alone. Education, policy, technology companies, families and wider society must work together to challenge harmful narratives and promote positive, respectful role models for boys and young men.
“Education is one of our most powerful tools for change. When staff are confident, informed and supported to challenge misogyny early, we are not just responding to behaviour – we are actively safeguarding children and helping to build a culture where respect, equality and safety are the norm.
“But as the research shows, there are a plethora of issues with early online exposure that need to be tackled, including equipping children with the ability to question potential misinformation and hoaxes and deal with negative implications of unhealthy comparisons. Introducing online media literacy as a compulsory element of the school curriculum is a vital starting point in mitigating risks, alongside placing greater emphasis on unhealthy online comparisons within existing compulsory mental health education.”
Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girls-in-pajamas-taking-selfie-8790305/
