Using data from surveys and focus groups, this research offers an early view of how new online safety rules are shaping families’ lives. While they are seeing positive changes, such as more child-friendly content, limits on risky features and greater control, children still encounter harmful content. Additionally, key issues like ineffective age checks, screen time and AI risks remain insufficiently addressed. As a result, much of the responsibility for managing online safety continues to fall on families.
To improve children’s safety and wellbeing the report recommends that:

• Safety-by-design: Safety should be built into online services and new features from the start.
• Risk-based approach: Children’s access to online services should be determined by the level of risk posed by its features, functionalities and content, and the effectiveness of the safeguards it has in place.
• Age-appropriate experiences: Children’s access to content and features should be tailored to their stage of development rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Highly effective age assurance: Robust age checks are needed to accurately determine users ages and implement appropriate safeguards.
• Media literacy: This should be built into platforms and supported by schools and government for both parents and children.