Research launched for Safer Internet Day reveals that young people are excited about changes in online technology but express the need for conversation and better support. The research found that three quarters (74%) of parents and carers, and just under half (45%) of children have worries about safety as developments with artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and new social media apps continue to accelerate. It found that 80% of children and young people think that young people should be listened to more about changes in technology, such as how it can remain safe.

The research also reveals low awareness of the Online Safety Act, a new law which priorities the safety of children online and places new duties on social media companies around the content shared on their platforms, with only 32% of children and 42% of parents and carers having heard of this.