Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank
The online world offers countless opportunities for children and young people, yet it also presents unprecedented risks. According to Ofcom’s latest report, 87% of 3–4-year-olds now access the internet, compared with 52% five years previous. Rapid increase in early digital engagement raises pressing concerns, as young children can be only a few clicks away from potentially harmful or adult-oriented content. Recent reports have revealed disturbing trends: live-action videos masquerading under the innocent names of beloved characters, while containing explicit violence or sexual themes online, and exposure to inappropriate, harmful conduct and content in the metaverse. It is clear that the rise of digitalisation, Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) demands a proactive, evidence-based response to safeguard children online.
The Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank is an independent, academic initiative dedicated to informing and influencing policy on child online safety. Our aim is to identify gaps in existing legislation, address emerging risks posed by AI, VR and other new technologies, and champion children’s digital rights. Building on previous work with the UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) Evidence Group —where we have been providing research summaries for policymakers for over a decade — we strive to translate cutting-edge research into tangible policy developments and practical guidance.
Our Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank Launch Report is now available to download.
Our key objectives
- Inform and influence policy: By reviewing existing policies with an evidence-based lens, we highlight where updates are urgently needed, ensuring legislation effectively anticipates future challenges.
- Engage policymakers and stakeholders: Through established networks, we connect with policymakers, educators, parents, and children to highlight and future proof the most pressing issues.
- Bridge research and policy: We leverage research — both our own and that of other leading academics — to shape policy decisions that protect children in rapidly developing online environments.
Our strategic vision
- Driven by impact: We pursue real-world impact, translating insights from evidence-based, world-leading research into practical outputs that support child online safety.
- Interdisciplinarity: Our work brings together experts from multiple disciplines, ensuring robust, holistic approaches to policy development.
- Involvement: Collaboration is central to everything we do, with children’s voices at the heart of our mission.
By acting as an independent, central hub for research, policy development, and collaboration, the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank places child well-being at the forefront in the digital age, protecting the most vulnerable among us.
To find out more or speak to the team, please email us at child.ohptt@uel.ac.uk.
Director: Professor Julia Davidson OBE
Researchers: Ms Alexandra Deac, Ms Boglarka Meggyesfalvi, Dr Ruby Farr
Institute for Connected Communities, University of East London
