NEWS STORY- Beyond the headlines: what research shows on children's online lives
Children's Online Lives: Moving Beyond the Headlines and Focusing on Safeguarding
The Government Office for Science has published new insights into children's online lives, highlighting a message that safeguarding professionals have long understood: children's online and offline worlds are no longer separate. For many young people, digital spaces are simply an extension of everyday life.
This presents both opportunities and challenges for those responsible for safeguarding children and young people.
Too often, discussions about children and technology become focused on screen time alone. However, the latest research suggests that the reality is far more complex. Children use online platforms to build friendships, access support networks, learn new skills, and explore their interests. At the same time, they can be exposed to harmful content, cyberbullying, misinformation, privacy risks, exploitation, and other safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding Must Reflect Children's Reality
The report highlights that children themselves do not see a clear distinction between their online and offline lives. Relationships, experiences, and risks frequently move between both environments.
For safeguarding professionals, this is a crucial point.
A child experiencing bullying online may face the same individuals in school the next day. A young person groomed through social media may be at risk of offline exploitation. Equally, online communities can provide valuable support for children who feel isolated or unable to access help elsewhere.
Effective safeguarding therefore requires organisations to view online safety as an integral part of child protection rather than a separate issue.
Understanding Risk Without Creating Fear
One of the most important messages within the research is that the evidence surrounding children's online experiences is still developing. While risks clearly exist, there is also evidence that digital technology can have positive impacts when used safely and appropriately.
This balanced approach is important.
Safeguarding should not be driven by fear. Instead, it should focus on helping children develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to navigate digital environments safely.
The goal is not simply to restrict access but to equip children and young people to recognise risks, seek support, and make informed decisions.
Emerging Safeguarding Challenges
The research highlights concerns around harmful content, cyberbullying, privacy breaches, misinformation, persuasive platform design, and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence on children's lives. Many children are now using AI tools for learning, support, and everyday interactions.
As technology evolves, safeguarding practice must evolve with it.
Professionals need to understand how children are engaging with emerging technologies and be prepared to identify new forms of risk. This includes considering:
Online grooming and exploitation.
Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
Privacy and data protection concerns.
The impact of algorithms and persuasive design features.
Online bullying and peer-on-peer abuse.
The influence of AI-driven platforms and digital companions.
Misinformation and harmful online communities.
The Role of Trusted Adults
Technology continues to evolve faster than policy, guidance, and often adult understanding. This makes trusted relationships more important than ever.
Whether in schools, colleges, youth settings, social care services, or family environments, children need adults who are willing to have open conversations about their online experiences.
The most effective safeguarding often starts with curiosity rather than control.
Children are far more likely to disclose concerns when they feel listened to, understood, and supported rather than judged or punished.
What Organisations Should Be Considering
The report reinforces the need for organisations to review how digital safeguarding is embedded within their wider safeguarding arrangements.
Key questions include:
Do staff understand emerging online risks?
Are online safety concerns embedded within safeguarding training?
How confident are staff in discussing digital risks with children and young people?
Are policies keeping pace with technological change?
Do children know where to seek help if they encounter harmful content or behaviour online?
At RLB Safeguarding Ltd, we believe safeguarding in the digital age requires more than internet safety policies and awareness campaigns. It requires a whole-organisation approach that recognises the reality of children's lives today.
Online experiences can create opportunities, support wellbeing, and strengthen connections. They can also expose children to significant risks. Our role as safeguarding professionals is not simply to focus on one side of that equation, but to ensure children are protected, empowered, and supported to navigate both worlds safely.
Read the news story here
Reports
Children's Media Literacy Report 2025
Screen use by children aged under five: independent report Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group