Opinion | Why blanket bans are not the answer to keeping children safe online

The proliferation of social media platforms and digital tools has provided children with vast opportunities for learning, creativity and connection. However, alongside these benefits comes a growing set of challenges.

The online space, particularly social media, seems to be increasingly fraught with dangers for children, ranging from cyberbullying to sexual exploitation. Striking a balance between the benefits of digital tools and protecting children from online risks is one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Online educational platforms provide tools that foster learning, while social media helps children engage with a global audience and break geographical barriers. Platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram serve as creative outlets, enabling young people to share their talents and build communities around common interests.

For marginalised children, including those in rural areas or with disabilities, the internet can be a lifeline which offers access to resources, education and networks previously unavailable. Social media can provide a sense of belonging, especially for teenagers, and help them to engage in conversations on topics they care about, from climate activism to mental health awareness.

According to the Disrupting Harm project, children are extremely vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse on social media platforms. Perpetrators exploit the anonymity and reach of these platforms to target children, using tactics such as grooming, blackmail and non-consensual sharing of explicit material. Vulnerable groups face even greater risks as they can lack access to safe disclosure environments, exacerbating the psychological toll of exploitation and abuse.

The issue is further compounded by socioeconomic and cultural factors. Children from low-income families can lack digital literacy, leaving them ill-equipped to recognise or respond to online threats. Victims of online exploitation can experience feelings of shame, anxiety and depression.