In 2020 we ran a survey that indicated teachers were dealing with the consequences of unrestricted internet access. Some findings included:
Every year, Ofcom publishes a report on Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes. In 2024, they discovered that ‘96% of children aged 5-7 go online and 99% of children aged 12-15 go online’.
They found that the proportion of all 5 to 7-year-olds who used apps and sites increased year-on-year. In 2024:
This means that in a class of 30 5 to 7 year olds, around 11 children are using social media apps or sites, despite them being under the minimum age of 13 to open accounts.
Ofcom reported that an increasing proportion of 5 to 7-year-olds have their own profiles on social media platforms:
32% of parents of 5 to 7-year-olds who have profiles on social media platforms reported that their child uses them on their own. 42% of parents said they use social media with their child.
Ofcom found that 96% of 5 to 7-year-olds, 98% of 8 to 11-year-olds, and 100% of 12 to 17-year-olds are going online. This means the vast majority of the children in your primary school class have access to the internet.
Ofcom reported that 26% of 5 to 7-year-olds, 61% of 8 to 11-year-olds, 96% of 12 to 15-year-olds and 99% of 16 to 17-year-olds have their own mobile phone. This probably means that several children in your class have unsupervised access to the Internet.
Social media can be a great way to connect with others, learn new things and be part of a community. The evidence shows that social media is addictive and that children are at a greater risk of harm from it than adults as their brains are still developing.
The risks include seeing inappropriate content, oversharing, cyberbullying and being groomed.
Social media platforms have age ratings to help protect children from their dangers.
Do you know the main features of the social media platforms your class is using?
Do you know the age ratings for each platform?
Age rating: 13+
Facebook is a social networking platform. It allows users to connect with others online, share content, and keep in touch. Content that can be shared includes text, photos & videos. Users can be followed, groups can be joined, and content can be liked and commented on. It also has private instant messaging and a marketplace.
Age rating: 13+
YouTube is a video streaming and sharing platform. It allows users to connect with others online and share content. Users can be followed and content can be liked and commented on.
Users must be at least 13 years old to use YouTube. Children between 13 and 17-years-old must have parental permission to open an account or create a channel. However, children of all ages may use YouTube and YouTube Kids if enabled by a parent or legal guardian. On YouTube, users can subscribe to content, and pay for membership or donate money via super chat.
Age rating: 13+
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing app. Users can upload photos or videos and share them with their followers or with a select group of friends. They can view, comment, like and share posts. Instagram also has private instant messaging and live streaming.
Age rating: 16+
WhatsApp is a messaging app that uses the internet. Users can send text, photos, videos, audio and links in messages. Messages can be sent to one person or in group chats.
Age rating: 13+
TikTok is a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering short videos. Direct messages can be sent.
Age rating: 16+
Telegram is a messaging app that allows users to send messages, photos, videos, and files to contacts. Users can also send and receive voice and video calls. They can create and join groups and channels.
Age rating: 13+
Snapchat is a communications app. Users communicate with messaging or phone calls. Sent pictures and videos 'disappear' after being viewed.
Age rating: 13+
Twitter is a social media platform. It allows users to post and share text, photos, videos and links in short messages. Direct messages can be sent.
Age rating: 13+
Discord is a communication platform. It allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share their screens with others. Messages can be sent privately or in groups.
Age rating: 13+
Twitch is an interactive live-streaming service. It allows users to watch and broadcast content. Viewers can interact with the person streaming via the chat. On Twitch, users can subscribe and pay monthly and pay to ‘cheer’ using ‘bits’ to highlight messages.
Age rating: 13+
Reddit is a media forum. Users share news stories and other content. Content can be voted on and direct messages can be sent.
Age rating: 13+
Kick is a live video streaming platform. Users can create, browse and watch streaming channels.
Age rating: 7+
The PlayStation Network allows users to access features and services on their PlayStation console, including the store, online gaming and chat features. Users under the age of 18 have to have parental consent.
Age rating: 13+
Xbox Online allows users to access features and services on their Xbox console, including the store, online gaming and chat features.
Age rating: 13+
Steam streams games on iOS devices, Apple TV, Android devices, Android TV, and more. It is a storefront for users to purchase and play games from small and large developers. Users can interact with other players and live stream.
Age rating: none (but there are some restrictions for under 13s)
Epic is similar to Steam. Users can download and play games. It has a secure messaging channel that allows users to communicate and collaborate with other Epic users.
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