New NSPCC polling from YouGov shows that 74% of 11–15-year-olds would support age ratings on social media apps, similar to those used for movies and video games. Adults overwhelmingly agree, a second NSPCC poll by Savanta revealed 92% supporting age-based classification of platforms based on what you can do and see on them.
Two new polls commissioned by the NSPCC have revealed three quarters of children (74%) aged 11- 15 and 92% of adults would support movie and game-style age ratings for social media apps, based on what you can do and see on them.
With the Government’s ‘Growing up in the Online World’ consultation closing on Tuesday (May 26), the NSPCC is demanding the Government force tech companies to put children’s safety before profit by taking three key actions that would finally keep young users safe online.
These actions are:
Failure to deliver on this would mean that the NSPCC accepts a social media ban for under 16s would be better than the status quo.
The new surveys, by YouGov and Savanta, also highlight that children and adults share many of the same worries about social media safety for young people, with 61% of children citing ‘strangers being able to contact them’ as the main issue when asked about problems with social media. This concern was shared by 93% of the adults.
In addition, 84% of adults worried about children sharing their location and 82% cited disappearing images and messages as a concern, while 50% of young people stated that spending too much time on social media was an issue and 42% said seeing upsetting content was a problem for them.
The NSPCC says these concerns point to specific platform features and risks — and show why the Government must now introduce a risk‑based age-rating system and turn-off dangerous functionalities to keep children safe.
In April/May, the charity hosted a series of events across the UK to engage young people with the Government’s public consultation. Despite reporting many positive experiences online, participants were quick to acknowledge the drawbacks to social media and called for stronger protections. One young person said:
“There should be more [requirements] on social media companies to verify ages and tailor content appropriately. There is already too much responsibility on parents and carers. Young people are getting blamed for something that is not in their hands.”
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the charity launched its Shift Ctrl campaign which highlights how online harm disrupts the everyday lives of young people. It calls on the public to join in demanding urgent action from Government and tech companies to create a safer online world for children.
A video promoting the campaign is currently being shared across various on‑demand TV services, in cinemas and online platforms.