The internet can be a fantastic force for good but we can’t ignore the risks. Through our work supporting children who are groomed and sexually abused online, we know the internet is still not yet safe enough for children. Just as we have zebra crossings and age restrictions in the online world, we need safety measures online so vulnerable children can communicate, express themselves and have fun.

Barnardo’s is proud to support Safer Internet Day 2020. The welfare of children online remains a top priority for us and other organisations who want the voices of children and young people to be heard by government and the tech industry.

Crucially, new regulations need to be introduced without delay so that all online companies have a duty to keep children safe. We cannot expect children to protect themselves. The tech industry, government, educationalists, the voluntary sector, parents and communities must come together to help make the UK the safest place in the world for children for children to go online.