We owe it to all of society – and particularly our children – to clean up the worst aspects of the internet and social media which have been allowed to flourish for too long.  So together, governments, companies and regulators have to make sure that the internet is a better, safer place.

Government need to legislate so that online platforms are subject to a duty of care obligation and for this to be overseen by an independent, evidence-based regulator. Without the right safeguards to protect our young people, the internet can become an unpleasant, hostile environment. As we mark Safer Internet Day, the time to act is now.