Finance
UK tells parents to quiz their children about toxic online content
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 10, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 10, 2026
Quick Summary
The UK urges parents to discuss online safety with children, considering a social media ban for under 16s similar to Australia.
UK Urges Parents to Discuss Online Dangers with Their Children
Government Campaign for Online Safety
LONDON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Britain on Tuesday encouraged parents to speak to their children about the harmful content they could encounter online as the government looks into the pros and cons of an Australian-style ban on social media for under 16s.
Parental Guidance Initiatives
Citing research that showed half of parents had never spoken to their children about harmful content, the government said the "You Won't Know Until You Ask" campaign would provide them with the support and advice they needed to start conversations.
International Comparisons and Actions
Technology Minister Liz Kendall said she knew many parents were worried about what their children see and do online.
Australia's Social Media Ban
"We are determined to give children the childhood they deserve and prepare them for the future," she said.
European Countries Considering Similar Measures
"That is why we are supporting parents with this campaign and launching a consultation on how young people can live and thrive in the age of social media."
The campaign will help parents navigate safety settings on social media platforms and start conversations on topics like misinformation and harmful content, the government said.
It will be supported by TV ads and content on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, initially in Yorkshire, northern England, and the Midlands, the government said.
The campaign launches weeks after the government said it was prepared to take robust action to protect children online, with an Australian-style social media ban for children under 16.
Ministers are due to visit Australia, which imposed its ban in December, to look at their approach. Kendall has said Britain was weighing the same age threshold as Australia.
Spain, Greece, France, Slovenia and the Czech Republic have in recent weeks also said they were considering similar restrictions as attitudes harden against technology that some say is designed to be addictive.
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •UK government launches campaign for online safety.
- •Parents urged to discuss online dangers with children.
- •Australia's social media ban for under 16s considered.
- •Campaign includes TV ads and social media content.
- •European countries also considering similar measures.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK tells parents to quiz their children about toxic online content
1What is online safety?
Online safety refers to the practice of protecting oneself from risks associated with the internet, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and privacy breaches.
2What is misinformation?
Misinformation is false or misleading information that is spread, regardless of intent. It can lead to confusion and misinformed decisions among individuals.
3What is a social media ban?
A social media ban is a restriction that prevents certain individuals, such as minors, from accessing social media platforms, often implemented to protect them from harmful content.
4What is parental guidance?
Parental guidance involves providing advice and support to children regarding their online activities, helping them understand potential dangers and how to navigate them safely.
5What is a consultation campaign?
A consultation campaign is an initiative where stakeholders, such as parents and experts, are invited to share their views and suggestions on specific issues, often to inform policy decisions.
