UK Children Face 'Inevitable' Exposure to Violent Online Content, Ofcom Reports

A comprehensive study reveals that children in the UK encounter violent and harmful content online from a young age, with tech companies urged to enhance child protection measures.

All 247 children interviewed by Ofcom reported encountering violent content online, including material promoting self-harm and violence.
The exposure to harmful content is described as 'inevitable' and 'unavoidable' by children, starting as early as primary school.
Tech companies, including Meta and Snapchat, are identified as platforms where violent content is frequently encountered.
The Online Safety Act, passed last year, aims to protect children online, but full implementation and enforcement are pending.
Ofcom's research underscores the urgent need for tech firms to comply with new child protection duties under the Online Safety Act.