On July 25, 2025, child-safety duties under the UK Online Safety Act became fully enforceable. Online platforms and services are required to take measures to protect users under 18 from harmful content, including pornography and content promoting or encouraging suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders. Highly effective age assurance is required in relevant circumstances.

The rules go beyond removing harmful posts. Platforms must also address recommendation systems that may expose children to harmful content, strengthen content moderation, and provide accessible reporting and support mechanisms for children and parents. Ofcom is responsible for enforcing these requirements.

Comment from GAME-F

For many years, online safety for children has often focused on what parents should restrict and what children themselves should avoid. The UK framework shifts part of that responsibility toward the design of platforms and the algorithms that determine what children see.

However, stronger age checks and content restrictions alone cannot create a completely safe digital environment. Privacy and access to lawful information also need to be considered. The central question is not simply how to keep children away from the internet, but how digital environments can be designed more safely when children inevitably use them.

References

UK Government — What's changing for children on social media from 25 July 2025

Ofcom — Online age checks now in force