NSPCC Learning has published a helplines insight briefing on the impact of harmful online content on children and young people.

Drawing on Childline counselling sessions and NSPCC Helpline contacts, the briefing explores how exposure to online bullying, hate content, violent imagery, misinformation, pornography and addictive platform features can affect children’s safety, wellbeing and sense of identity.

The findings provide a snapshot of children’s experiences before the implementation of the Online Safety Act’s child safety duties, highlighting gaps in protection and ongoing challenges for families and professionals. This briefing offers valuable evidence to support safeguarding practice, policy development and future online safety interventions.