Young individuals and females encounter significant risks online, ranging from exposure to explicit content to harassment, within platforms lacking adequate safety measures. The responsibility for addressing these issues should rest on platforms and regulatory bodies, rather than solely on users. As a research fellow at the Centre for Protecting Women Online, I am deeply concerned about the frequent oversight of girls’ and young women’s experiences of harm. Despite the UK’s comprehensive legislation on online safety, the specific challenges faced by women and girls remain inadequately addressed, partly due to the insufficient preventive nature of current laws.

There exist substantial gaps in the legal framework, particularly concerning harm based on gender. It is imperative for platforms to be held more answerable, with stricter enforcement against violators of regulations. Technology should prioritize safety in its design, and stronger repercussions are necessary when failures occur in safeguarding both children and adults.

While imposing a ban on under-16s might seem like a definitive solution, it could lead to exclusion rather than reform. Such a ban risks shifting the burden onto children, potentially driving them towards less regulated online spaces and indicating a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act.

Effective solutions are available to address these challenges, and the political determination to implement them rigorously and hold platforms accountable is crucial. I encourage parents and caregivers of young individuals and females navigating the online landscape to engage openly with the issues rather than succumb to fear. Seeking advice and support when needed is essential, as everyone, including parents, is navigating these spaces and may not have all the answers.

There is promise in the efforts of civil society organizations, researchers, and advocates who have devised evidence-based solutions to combat online harms. However, the government must prioritize enhancing platform safety for all users. Strengthening the existing legislation under the Online Safety Act, closing protection gaps, and ensuring genuine accountability from companies are vital steps forward.

I urge policymakers to refrain from making hasty decisions before thoroughly testing the laws that have been established. Participating in the government consultation on ‘Growing up in an online world’ and seeking support from organizations like NSPCC and InternetMatters.org can provide further assistance on the issues at hand.