With improved privacy settings, limited contact from unknown adults, and better controls over harmful content, these updates reflect growing concern over how social media impacts children and young people, especially across the platforms they use daily such as social media, video gaming and many more.
But as educators, parents, and tech companies, we know that safeguarding children online requires more than platform-level restrictions. To truly protect and empower the next generation, we need to pair these changes with:
Digital Literacy & Education
- Digital literacy – so young people can think critically and make informed choices
- Education – for students, parents, and teachers alike
- Ongoing Conversation – fostering safe, supportive spaces where young people can discuss uncomfortable or sensitive topics freely
Looking Ahead
As AI and other technologies evolve rapidly, bringing new and often unfamiliar challenges, it's more important than ever to make these discussions a regular and trusted part of growing up. That includes the relational risks discussed in our article on children and chatbots, the product-governance issues raised in safe and ethical AI for children, and the wider design challenge explored in this turning point in how we think about technology and children.
- Collaboration – between tech companies and child development experts to design safer platforms from the start
This isn't just about restricting risk, it's about building resilience at every level. We can't always be beside our children when they're online, but we can give them the tools to navigate the digital world with confidence and care and very importantly by building trust.
Let's keep the momentum going, and work together to make online spaces safer and smarter for all children and be ahead of the curve.