Internet Matters has released a briefing exploring differences in girls’ and boys’ online experiences. The findings are based on the organisation’s annual UK survey of 1,000 children aged 9–16 and their parents.

The report shows that boys’ and girls’ online behaviours are increasingly similar, with both spending comparable amounts of time chatting with friends and using social media. Overall, both groups hold broadly positive views about their time online. However, 69% of girls and 66% of boys say they have experienced at least one negative incident.

Girls are more likely than boys to be contacted by strangers and to receive abusive or upsetting messages from peers. When harm occurs, girls tend to seek support from someone they trust, while boys are more likely to respond by using platform-based tools or safety features.

Recommendations to government include: mandate robust age assurance; and support schools and teachers in delivering media and digital literacy.