Children are at risk of cyber-bullying, sexual abuse, radicalisation and exploitation through their use of online platforms, according to a new ‘evidence pack’ that brings together the latest research, data and practice examples to improve understanding of the risks children face online.
The Youth Justice Board’s Evidence and Insights Pack on Online Harms Affecting Children highlights how online platforms are central to children’s social lives, but can expose them to a wide range of harms which can potentially negatively impact wellbeing and behaviour, and in some cases have been linked to offline violence.
Many children who engage in problematic online behaviour have complex needs or are themselves victims of abuse, the evidence revealed.
The research also shows how the sharing of intimate images has become increasingly normalised among children, with girls disproportionately affected. AI-generated sexual imagery is an increasingly prevalent form of risk.
The Youth Justice Board has welcomed the government’s decision to ban social media for under-16s by spring 2027, but says creating safer futures for children will continue to depend on trusted adults, strong relationships, effective partnership working and co-ordinated support to protect children both online and offline.
Steph Roberts-Bibby, chief executive of the Youth Justice Board, said: “Children’s online experiences, particularly the profound and long-term effects of online harm, are not fully understood.
“Too often, system responses view these children through a rigid criminal justice lens, which leaves vulnerable children at greater risk of further harm and deeper entrenchment in the justice system. The evidence in this pack highlights both the scale of the issue and the urgent need for a shift in how we respond.”
The evidence pack includes evidence of effective intervention and highlights promising strategies to reduce harm and prevent unnecessary criminalisation, including implementing safety-by-design and teen-by-default platform measures.
The Youth Justice Board urges policymakers, commissioners and youth justice partners to review the pack in full and embed its evidence into future policy development, commissioning decisions, training programmes, and operational frameworks.
“The way [the ban] is implemented will be critical and while no single measure will solve these complex challenges, any measure that creates a safer childhood is undoubtedly a step in the right direction,” Roberts-Bibby said.
“Preventing harm, supporting recovery, and reducing future offending depend entirely on co-ordinated action across education, health, policing, local government, housing, and social care. We are sharing this pack to drive joined-up policy thinking across government, reduce the number of victims, and ultimately make communities safer.”
