World Social Media Day: New Online Safety Research

New Virtual College research reveals that one in six parents has no strategy for monitoring children's online activity. Discover why online safety education matters.

Safeguarding

Article

As World Social Media Day shines a spotlight on the role social platforms play in our daily lives, new research from Virtual College highlights an important challenge facing families across the UK: many parents still lack a consistent approach to monitoring their children's online activity.

With social media becoming an increasingly central part of childhood, concerns around online safety continue to grow. Recent discussions surrounding the proposed under-16 social media ban have brought digital safeguarding firmly into the public conversation, but new findings suggest there is still work to be done to ensure children are protected online.

One in Six Parents Have No Online Monitoring Strategy

Research conducted by Virtual College found that while many parents are taking proactive steps to manage their children's digital lives, significant gaps remain.

Nearly half (46%) of parents use content blockers to restrict what their child can access online. However, one in six parents either do not monitor their child's internet usage at all or have no consistent method for doing so.

These findings suggest that while awareness of online risks is increasing, many families may still be unsure about the most effective ways to support children in navigating the digital world safely.

Online Safety Conversations Continue to Grow

The research comes as debate continues around the proposed under-16 social media ban announced in the UK earlier this month. While legislative changes may help shape children's online experiences, experts believe education and awareness remain essential.

Mary-Ann Round, Safeguarding Expert at Virtual College, says:

"World Social Media Day is a timely reminder of just how embedded these platforms have become in our children's lives, and how important it is that we're equipping both parents and professionals with the tools to keep them safe.

Our research shows that nearly half of parents are using content blockers, which is encouraging, but the fact that one in six have no monitoring strategy at all is a real concern."

Growing Demand for Online Safety Training

The heightened focus on children's online safety is already having a measurable impact.

Since the proposed social media ban was announced on 15 June, allocations for Virtual College's online safety training course have trebled—a 200% increase in demand within just a matter of days.

Mary-Ann believes this demonstrates that organisations and families recognise that legislation is only one part of the solution.

"The under-16 social media ban has rightly brought these conversations to the forefront, and we're already seeing that reflected in demand for online safety training. Since the ban was announced on 15 June, allocations for our online safety training course have trebled—a 200% increase in just a matter of days. Parents and organisations alike are recognising that legislation alone isn't enough; awareness and education have to go hand in hand with it."

Why Online Safety Education Matters

Children are spending more time online than ever before, using social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps and other digital services to learn, socialise and entertain themselves. Alongside the opportunities these platforms provide come risks including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online grooming, misinformation and privacy concerns.

Supporting children online requires more than technical tools. Open conversations, age-appropriate guidance and an understanding of digital risks all play an important role in helping young people develop safe online habits.

This responsibility extends beyond the home. Schools, charities, sports clubs and employers all have a part to play in creating safer digital environments and ensuring staff understand how to identify concerns and respond appropriately.

Using World Social Media Day as a Reminder

World Social Media Day provides an opportunity for parents, educators and organisations to review the measures they have in place to support online safety.

As Mary-Ann concludes:

"Online safety isn't a one-off conversation; it's an ongoing responsibility. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or an employer, understanding the risks and knowing how to respond is essential. World Social Media Day is a great moment to reflect on whether you have the right knowledge and safeguards in place, and to explore what training might be available to you."

As digital platforms continue to evolve, building confidence through education and training remains one of the most effective ways to help keep children safe online.