Understanding online communications among children

Understanding online communications among children

Type of Resource

Research and Evidence

Publication Date

November 14, 2023

Topic/s

Harmful or inappropriate content  
Ofcom has published new research exploring how children communicate online in the UK. The research uses a survey and interviews with 11- to 18-year-olds to look at children’s online experiences. Findings include: 60% of 11- to 18-year-olds have experienced some form of potentially uncomfortable interactions/conversations when communicating online at some point in the past; including 13% who have been sent pictures or videos of naked or half-dressed people and 10% who have ever been asked to share these types of pictures or videos themselves; and for many potentially uncomfortable forms of contact, the experience often occurs within/during the first contact with the person or people in question.
© Ofcom 2023

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