An Ofcom expert answers Mumsnet user questions over online safety for kids

Keeping children safe online is a priority for parents, but navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape can feel daunting at times. Recently, Mumsnet users had the opportunity to pose their questions directly to Ofcom's Online Safety Policy Director, Almudena Lara, to get expert advice on protecting kids in the online world. 

Ofcom is the UK’s independent communications regulator who keeps an eye on broadcast media, telecoms, post and spectrum. Under the Online Safety Act, these days it’s the UK’s online safety regulator and has a responsibility to make online services safer for the people who use them by making sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm. 

Safer algorithms, effective age checks and better content moderation are ways Ofcom is proposing to help children remain safe on social media and tech platforms - and protect children from seeing harmful content like suicide, self-harm and pornography.

Age restrictions on social media platforms

Many parents raised concerns in the thread about specific platforms like TikTok, where user Lyracappul shared how her daughter is able to bypass age restrictions. Almudena reassured that Ofcom's proposed measures would apply to TikTok and other major social media sites. 

"As a result of these proposed measures, we expect children will be protected in a number of ways including: they won't normally be able to access pornography; they'll be protected from being recommended potentially harmful content by the platform; and it will be easier to complain when they see harmful content."

The idea of linking children's social media accounts to parent accounts was also discussed. Almudena explained that while the Online Safety Act doesn't set a minimum age for all social media, it does require sites to assess whether children are likely using their services and protect under-18s accordingly. 

"We've proposed that platforms have robust age checks in place to help make sure under 18s are not exposed to harmful content and will also be able to hold sites to account on the terms and conditions they have in place - including any minimum age limits."

Monitoring your child’s online activity

Monitoring children's online activity was a common concern, with one Mumsnet user, MumC2141, asking about the best ways to keep tabs. 

Almudena acknowledged this can be a tricky balance, saying "Many apps and browsers have different parental controls, which can help. But their features vary a lot and this still puts the emphasis on parents to take action. We want the emphasis to be back on the platforms - putting safety first and taking steps to protect children on their sites, without leaving that burden to parents only."

Resources for parents

Many Mumsnet users expressed feeling lost when it came to navigating online safety for their kids, with user Jellybeanpopper asking if there were any courses or resources to help, noting that their kids were already learning about internet security at school. 

“There are lots of brilliant resources out there to support parents. For example, NSPCC has some guides for families with advice on talking to your kids about online safety”, Almudena shared. 

Communication is vital

Alongside platform-level measures, she also stressed the importance of open communication between parents and children about online safety. She also highlighted the role of schools in educating children, encouraging Mumsnet users to work alongside educators on this issue.

While the online world can be hard to navigate for parents at times, Ofcom’s work as the UK’s online safety regulator aims to put the onus back on tech platforms to prioritise child protection. Through proposed measures like robust age checks, safer algorithms, and improved content moderation, Ofcom hopes to create a safer digital environment for young people. 

As the Online Safety Act takes shape, Ofcom is committed to holding platforms accountable and giving parents the tools they need to keep their kids safe online. With a multi-pronged approach, the goal is to empower the next generation to thrive in the digital world.

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the UK's independent communications regulator, overseeing broadcast media, telecoms, post, and spectrum. Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom now serves as the online safety regulator, responsible for ensuring digital platforms have effective safeguards to protect users, especially children, from harm.

Guided by principles of fairness, effectiveness and transparency, Ofcom is driving initiatives to make the online world safer. This includes proposing robust age checks and mandating improved content moderation by tech companies. Through evidence-based policymaking and collaboration with industry and the public, Ofcom is charting a course towards a more secure digital environment.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. With two young children who are growing up far too fast, she knows first-hand how difficult it can be to monitor what kids are up to or watching while they’re online. Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.

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