A recent study by Internet Matters revealed that a significant number of children have been exposed to distressing content on social media platforms, such as reports on the demise of Liam Payne and the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk. The research indicated that six out of 10 children witnessed news stories in June that caused them worry or distress, covering topics like war, violence, death, and crises.
The organization highlighted concerns about algorithms inundating children’s social media feeds with graphic content that is unsuitable for their age group. Additionally, there were worries about the prevalence of AI-generated content, with over a quarter of children admitting they fell for fake news stories.
Vulnerable children, including those with special educational needs or health conditions, were more susceptible to believing fake or AI-generated stories, as revealed in the report. The study showed that 43% of vulnerable children fell for misinformation, compared to 23% of non-vulnerable children.
One teenager shared her experience of being misled by AI-generated content, emphasizing the impact it can have on young minds. The report underscored the dangers of misinformation online, warning that it could exacerbate social and political divisions and even incite real-world consequences, as seen in the aftermath of the Southport murders.
The research urged social media companies to incorporate media literacy tools into their platforms to help children evaluate and contextualize the information they encounter. Rachel Huggins, co-chief executive of Internet Matters, emphasized the need for balance in providing access to news while safeguarding children’s mental well-being.
Labour MP Jess Asato stressed the importance of equipping children with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and critically. The study, which surveyed 1,000 UK children aged 11-17, preceded the implementation of Ofcom’s children’s codes aimed at regulating harmful online content.
In response, a government spokesperson highlighted the need for platforms to adhere to child safety requirements, ensuring protection from harmful content and promoting online safety skills among families. The government pledged to intervene further if necessary to safeguard children from online risks.