Children's online experiences are changing rapidly, with new research revealing how artificial intelligence is being used for emotional support while regulators examine the effectiveness of age assurance and the role of app stores in protecting children.
These developments are relevant not only to technology companies but also to schools, colleges, health services, charities and organisations supporting children and young people.
1. Barnardo's research reveals growing use of AI for mental health support
Published: 23 October 2026
Source: Barnardo's — Filling the Gap? Young People's Use of AI for Mental Health Support
Barnardo's and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society commissioned research involving 2,000 children aged 11–17 across the UK.
The findings reveal that 43% had used a mental health app or chatbot for emotional support or advice during the previous year.
However, children continued to express a strong preference for human relationships. When asked who they would want to speak to during difficult experiences, 59% selected family or caregivers and 18% selected friends, compared with just 4% choosing a chatbot.
The report calls for stronger regulation and safeguards around AI mental health support, while emphasising that technology should complement rather than replace accessible human support.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Organisations should consider how children may use AI to discuss distress, abuse, exploitation or mental health concerns.
Policies, training and safeguarding conversations should recognise emerging digital behaviours without assuming that AI tools provide an appropriate substitute for professional assessment or trusted relationships.
2. Ofcom assesses age assurance for proposed restrictions on under-16s
Published: 29 October 2026
Source: Ofcom — Rapid Assessment of Highly Effective Age Assurance at 16
Ofcom has assessed methods capable of determining whether someone is aged 16 or over, informing proposed restrictions on children's access to social media and other online services.
The regulator identified four methods currently capable of being highly effective at this age: photo ID matching, banking information, digital identity services and facial age estimation.
Ofcom also highlighted accessibility, privacy and the possibility of children circumventing age checks.
What this means for safeguarding practice
This is an assessment supporting proposed regulation, not confirmation that the proposed social media restrictions are already in force.
Organisations should continue to promote digital literacy, online safety education and appropriate responses to online harm while following regulatory developments.
3. Ofcom examines whether app stores should play a greater role in children's online safety
Published: 29 October 2026
Source: Ofcom — Report on the Use of App Stores by Children
Ofcom has published a statutory assessment examining how app stores influence children's access to online services.
The report identifies weaknesses in the consistent use of age assurance and explores whether stronger safeguards at app-store level could help protect children.
App stores are not currently regulated services under the Online Safety Act, and any future regulatory extension would require further government decisions.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Online safety cannot be addressed through one control alone. Age assurance, platform design, parental tools, education and effective reporting mechanisms all have a role.
4. The Good Childhood Report highlights declining wellbeing and the importance of belonging
Published: 8 September 2026 — included as supporting research
Source: The Children's Society — Good Childhood Report 2026
The Children's Society's annual research explores children's wellbeing and the importance of belonging, relationships and supportive communities.
Its 2026 household survey found that 10% of participating children and young people had low wellbeing, with school emerging as the aspect of life they were most commonly unhappy with.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Children's wellbeing cannot be separated from their relationships, environments and access to support.
Safeguarding strategies should consider children's experiences of belonging, exclusion, isolation and barriers to accessing help.
What should organisations take away?
The emerging challenge is not simply how to restrict harmful digital experiences, but how to ensure children can access safe, trustworthy and meaningful support.
Technology may create new opportunities for early intervention, but it also raises questions about accountability, confidentiality, safeguarding responses and the importance of human connection.
RLB Safeguarding supports organisations to review emerging risks, strengthen safeguarding arrangements and equip professionals to respond confidently to changing safeguarding challenges.