Young individuals and females encounter significant risks online, ranging from exposure to sexual content to instances of abuse, within digital environments that do not prioritize their safety. The responsibility for addressing these issues should rest with online 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 the negative experiences faced by girls and young women. Despite having progressive online safety legislation in the UK, the challenges faced by women and girls are not adequately tackled due to the insufficient preventive nature of current laws.

There are notable deficiencies in the legal framework, particularly concerning gender-related harm. It is essential for platforms to be held more accountable, and enforcement actions against violators of regulations must be more stringent. Technology should be developed with safety considerations as a core principle, and there should be stricter repercussions for failures in protecting both children and adults.

While implementing a ban for individuals under the age of 16 may seem like a viable solution, it could lead to exclusion rather than reform. Such a ban might inadvertently shift responsibility onto children, potentially driving them towards less regulated online spaces and indicating a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act.

Solutions to these issues do exist, and the necessary knowledge and policy tools are available to create safer digital environments for women and girls. What is crucial now is the political determination to implement these solutions effectively and hold online platforms accountable. In the interim, my advice to parents and guardians of young individuals and women navigating the online world is to actively engage with the issues rather than succumb to fear. Open discussions about online challenges and encouraging questions can foster a safer online environment.

It is important to note that parents, guardians, and online users do not have all the answers and are also navigating these digital spaces. Seeking advice and support when needed is highly encouraged. While civil society organizations, researchers, and advocates have proposed evidence-based solutions to online harms, the government must prioritize making platforms safer for all users. Strengthening existing legislation under the Online Safety Act, addressing protection gaps, and ensuring genuine accountability from companies are imperative steps to enhance online safety.

I implore legislators not to rush into drastic measures before thoroughly testing the laws that have been established. Individuals can participate in the government consultation on ‘Growing up in an online world’ to contribute their views. For further assistance on the issues raised, resources are available from the NSPCC and InternetMatters.org.