UK Government Launches Campaign to Tackle Harmful Online Content for Children
Published 10 February 2026
Highlights
- The UK government is launching a campaign to help parents discuss harmful online content with their children, piloted in Yorkshire and the Midlands.
- Research shows 50% of parents do not talk to their children about online dangers, prompting the "You Won't Know until You Ask" initiative.
- A study reveals children are exposed to harmful products online, including weight-loss drugs and skin-whitening creams, affecting their self-esteem.
- The children’s commissioner warns that a social media ban for under-16s may not ensure safety without a comprehensive enforcement plan.
- Calls for stricter regulations on children's online exposure are growing, with experts urging for an online environment safer by design.
In a bid to address the growing concerns over children's exposure to harmful online content, the UK government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at equipping parents with the tools to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about internet safety. The campaign, titled "You Won't Know until You Ask," is set to be piloted in Yorkshire and the Midlands, regions selected for their diverse demographic representation.
Parental Guidance and Support
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, seeks to provide parents with guidance on discussing sensitive topics such as body-shaming, rage bait, and misogyny prevalent on social media platforms. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized the importance of this campaign, stating, "We are determined to give children the childhood they deserve and prepare them for the future." The campaign is a response to recent government research indicating that half of the parents surveyed do not engage in discussions about harmful online content with their children.
Children's Exposure to Harmful Products
A parallel study commissioned by the children’s commissioner for England has highlighted the alarming frequency with which children encounter harmful products online. The research found that 41% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 have seen ads for prescription-only weight-loss drugs, while 27% have been exposed to skin-whitening creams. These findings underscore the urgent need for parental involvement and stricter regulations to protect young users from potentially dangerous content.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
The debate over a potential social media ban for under-16s continues to gain momentum, with experts like Dame Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner, advocating for a more nuanced approach. She cautioned that a ban alone would not guarantee safety, stressing the need for a well-enforced plan that considers children's online behaviors. "Urgent action is needed to create an online world that is truly safer by design," de Souza remarked, highlighting the detrimental impact of appearance-changing products on children's self-esteem.
Community and Educational Responses
In response to these challenges, some educational institutions, such as Astrea Academy in Doncaster, have taken proactive measures by implementing smartphone-free policies. Principal David Scales expressed support for the government's initiative but called for further action, suggesting a complete ban on smartphones in schools to mitigate the negative effects on family interactions and student wellbeing.
What this might mean
The government's campaign represents a crucial step towards enhancing digital wellbeing for teenagers, but its success will largely depend on effective implementation and parental engagement. As discussions around a social media ban for under-16s continue, policymakers must consider comprehensive strategies that address both the technological and social dimensions of online safety. Experts suggest that future efforts should focus on creating an online environment that prioritizes children's safety and mental health, potentially setting a precedent for other countries grappling with similar challenges.
