Only 25% of Welsh Children Share Their Online Experiences with Family

A recent report reveals that only 28% of schoolchildren in Wales share details about their online activities with their families. The survey, which included 1,284 young participants, highlighted concerns regarding online safety, particularly on platforms like Snapchat, YouTube, and Roblox. Many children expressed that while they generally feel happy and safe online, they encounter uncomfortable situations, including aggressive users and inappropriate content. Ffion, a 16-year-old from Cardiff, noted that online interactions often begin as harmless banter but can escalate into threats. She emphasized the need for stricter regulations to enhance safety on these platforms. Grace, another participant, echoed these sentiments, stating that children frequently face unwanted questions from strangers online. Despite these challenges, 76% of respondents reported they would inform their families or report concerning content to the respective platforms. Ms. Cifuentes, who contributed to the report, criticized social media companies for neglecting children's safety and underscored the essential role of Ofcom in enforcing accountability. She pointed out that many children, some as young as nine, have reported uncomfortable interactions with strangers online. The report stresses the importance of open communication between parents and children regarding online activities, as less than a third of children frequently discuss their online experiences with their families. Ruth Mullineux from NSPCC Cymru reiterated the charity's call for the implementation of the Online Safety Act, urging Ofcom to ensure that tech companies prioritize the safety of children in their online environments.