Education reporter, Hayley Clarke, shared a report suggesting the government needs to step up to safeguard young people from harmful and violent content online. The Youth Select Committee, consisting of 14 to 19-year-olds, voiced concerns that the Online Safety Act does not provide adequate protection for children against dangerous material. Despite calls to prohibit social media for those under 16, the committee argued in favor of retaining access for its benefits, believing that young individuals would circumvent any restrictions imposed.
The 15-year-old committee chair, Wania Eshaal Ahmad, expressed dismay at social media algorithms inadvertently promoting violent and harmful content to engage young users. To combat this desensitization to glorified violence online, the committee proposed enhancing media literacy education in schools. This would include educating students on algorithms, enabling them to distinguish fact from fiction and protect themselves online. Additionally, the report emphasized the necessity for increased training and support for teachers, parents, and caregivers to educate young individuals about potential online hazards.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of the Online Safety Act, the committee expressed reservations about the bill’s effectiveness in enforcing age restrictions on social media platforms and protecting children from harmful content. Despite the bill assigning social media companies greater responsibility in preventing illegal activity and removing illicit content, the committee urged for more stringent measures. Suggestions included publicly identifying non-compliant platforms, establishing an online safety scorecard for young users, and conducting further research on the correlation between online exposure and real-world violence.
The committee dismissed the idea of banning social media for under-16s, recognizing practical challenges and potential detrimental effects. Instead, they emphasized the need for stronger accountability measures for social media companies. Additionally, committee members stressed the importance of consulting young people more frequently in discussions regarding online safety, acknowledging their unique perspectives and ideas for effective solutions. Wania emphasized the importance of action over promises, calling for proactive steps from the government, social media entities, and the education system to effect substantial change in online safety
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