What age should a child start social media? It is a simple question without one universally correct age. A birthday alone does not tell you whether a child is ready to manage private information, cope with social pressure, question what they see or ask for help when something goes wrong. The design of the platform matters just as much as the age and maturity of the child. For families in the UK, the decision is also changing. The Government plans to prevent certain social med

Choosing a child’s first social app can feel surprisingly complicated. Many apps describe themselves as safe, private or suitable for children, but those words do not always mean the same thing. To choose a safe social media app for kids, look beyond the age rating. Check who can contact your child, whether accounts are private by default, how guardians are involved, what information the app collects and whether its design encourages healthy use. The safest option will not si

What You Need to Know About the Ban There is not yet a final, legally confirmed list that shows which apps will be affected by the UK social media ban. The government intends to use a model similar to the one introduced in Australia. Its current guidance names Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and X as examples of platforms included in that model. That makes these services likely to be affected, but being named as an example is not the same as appearing in final

We’re proud to partner with The Ad Village to help build a safer digital ecosystem for children. Together, we’re strengthening protections around advertising so parents can be confident that inappropriate products and messaging never appear in their child’s digital world.

The public debate is loud: social media is either “destroying childhood” or being unfairly demonized. Parents are stuck between ban it and let them roam. The evidence is quieter and more nuanced: there is no coherent scientific basis for blanket bans on digital access for children. What the research does support is age-appropriate, safeguarded access, plus clear accountability for platforms.

Young people in the UK are facing overlapping crises. From worsening mental health and social division to fears about the future, especially climate change. The digital world often makes these problems worse, as it wasn’t built with children’s well-being in mind. Digital stewardship is essential in promoting healthy development of children. Traditional responses, like banning or limiting screen time, don’t work well. Research shows these restrictions can backfire, failing t

It might start innocently enough, your child is laughing at funny videos, scrolling for outfit ideas or books to read. Before long, you notice they seem quieter and more withdrawn. Social media and children's self-esteem are connected. Let's learn how. Social media can both build and break confidence. The positive impact of social media can include expressing creativity, learning opportunities and even community support from their peers. However, it can also negatively promo

As parents, we want our children to enjoy the benefits of being online, without stumbling into the dangers. The first step is to be aware of the risks. So, let’s break down everything you need to know about staying safe online and how to make it a team effort between you and your child.