UK’s Protection of Children Code – one year on

Date: 10th August 2026
Category: General principles

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One year after the Protection of Children Code under the Online Safety Act came into force, new research shows that online platforms are making changes to improve children’s safety, but significant risks still remain.

Research by the Digital Futures for Children centre found that some companies have introduced stronger safety protections by default, while age checks have also become more common. However, protections for children using AI chatbots remain inconsistent. Children themselves are noticing some of these changes. Research from Internet Matters found that 68% of children have seen more safety measures on the platforms they use, including better reporting tools and content filters.

However, more than half (52%) of children said they had experienced at least one type of online harm that the Online Safety Act aims to address in the past year. Younger children also continue to access platforms intended for users aged 13 and over, with around one in three children aged 9 to 12 using TikTok.

The findings show that while the Online Safety Act is beginning to make a difference, more action is needed. Continued political support and strong enforcement will be important to ensure online platforms consistently protect children from harm.

·       Read more on 5Rights Foundation webpage.

·       Read Together’s response to the social media consultation which addresses related themes.