Advancing the Conversation on Children and Online Media
On 6 March we had a truly inspiring day collaborating with Professor Abigail Durrant and researcher Viana Zhang, from Newcastle University’s Open Lab – part of the School of Computing – in our joint research project which is part of the EPSRC AGENCY research programme.
Together, we engaged in meaningful discussions with leading voices—policy makers, educators, and advocates—who are actively shaping the future of children’s interactions with online media in the UK.
It was a privilege to welcome these contributors to the Coram campus, alongside other who we’ve filmed online:
- Baroness Beeban Kidron – a long-term advocate of the rights of children in the online world and founder of 5Rights Foundation
- Leanda Barrington Leach, the CEO of The 5Rights Foundation
- Damian McBeath – principal of the John Wallis Academy, Kent – whose account of the positive impact of restricting smartphone use throughout his school inspired and moved us
- Dr Susie Davies – Papaya Parents and Dr Rebecca Foljambe with Arabella Skinner – Health Professionals for Safer Screens
- Clare Fernyhough – Smartphone Free Childhood
- Andy Burrows – CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation
- Jonathan Baggaley – CEO of PSHE Association
Our conversations built upon insights from recent roundtables held across the country with children, parents, and youth workers.
A key theme that emerged was the critical role families and schools must play in helping children navigate the digital world. Interviewees emphasised the urgent need to move beyond reactionary approaches – dealing with the consequences of exposure to harmful content – and instead focus on proactively ensuring the safety of internet-enabled devices. Alongside this was the urgent need for there to be responsibility for proving the safety of these platforms rather than leaving children – and families – to bear the burden of content they cannot unsee.
These discussions were particularly timely, as they took place ahead of the parliamentary debate on the new Safer Phones Bill. This legislation brings renewed attention to pressing concerns such as:
- The appropriate age of consent for children sharing their data online
- Smartphone use in schools
- The responsibility of tech companies in curbing children’s exposure to addictive and harmful online content
With increasing evidence of online risks, our focus must now shift towards real solutions: ensuring children’s digital experiences are safe, while also embracing the positive opportunities technology offers for learning, creativity, and connection. Our conversations with these key stakeholders reinforced the importance of collective action and policy change in shaping a healthier digital future for the next generation.
A huge thank you to everyone who shared their insights with us. Your voices are essential in driving forward meaningful change!