Barnardo’s is proud to support Safer Internet Day 2022. New technologies have transformed how young people learn, play and communicate – but they have also created new risks to children’s safety. During the pandemic we have seen a marked increase in the length of time children are spending online, and we’ve also seen an increase in their risk of harm.

Our services across the UK are supporting children every day who have experienced harm and abuse online. We know there is a rise in children viewing extreme and violent pornography which can harm children’s mental health and normalise abusive behaviour. Meanwhile illegal images and videos showing child abuse and violence continue to be uploaded.

We believe that children must be protected from illegal and harmful content online in order to protect their safety and wellbeing. This important day helps us to amplify that message.