London, Britain. Britain encouraged parents to speak to their children about harmful content they could encounter online as the government examines the pros and cons of an Australian-style ban on social media for under-16s.
Government campaign aims to support parent-child conversations
Citing research showing half of parents had never spoken to their children about harmful content, the government said its “You Won’t Know Until You Ask” campaign would provide support and advice to help start conversations.
Technology Minister Liz Kendall said she knew many parents were worried about what their children see and do online. She said the government was determined to give children the childhood they deserve and prepare them for the future, adding that it was supporting parents with the campaign and launching a consultation on how young people can live and thrive in the age of social media.
Campaign to focus on settings, misinformation and harmful content
The government said the campaign would help parents navigate safety settings on social media platforms and start conversations on topics such as misinformation and harmful content.
It said the campaign would be supported by TV ads and content on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, initially in Yorkshire, northern England, and the Midlands.
Review of Australian-style restrictions and international interest
The campaign launches weeks after the government said it was prepared to take robust action to protect children online, including an Australian-style social media ban for children under 16.
Ministers are due to visit Australia, which imposed its ban in December, to look at its approach. Kendall has said Britain was weighing the same age threshold as Australia.
In recent weeks, Spain, Greece, France, Slovenia and the Czech Republic have also said they were considering similar restrictions as attitudes harden against technology that some say is designed to be addictive.
Have you spoken with your child about harmful content they might encounter online?
