Cyber offences are committed when someone is using a computer or other digital technology. There are two main types of cyber offences – cyber-enabled crime and cyber-dependent crime. Cyber-enabled crime is where technology has been used to enhance another crime, like fraud.

National Crime Agency

The Cyber Choices programme is a resource created to help people make informed choices and to use their cyber skills in a legal way.

This is a national programme co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency and delivered by Cyber Choices teams within Regional Organised Crime Units and Local Police Force Cyber Teams.

The aims of the programme are:

  • Explaining the difference between legal and illegal cyber activity
  • Encouraging individuals to make informed choices in their use of technology
  • Increasing awareness of the Computer Misuse Act 1990
  • Promoting positive, legal cyber opportunities

The following documents created by the National Crime Agency ‘Cyber Offences department are for teachers and parents in order to understand the law and it’s implications for young people who engage in potentially illegal hacking activit.

Hacking it Legal | For Teachers
It’s been designed to introduce the Cyber Choices programme to teachers and explain how it can help students who may be vulnerable to becoming involved in cyber crime or have begun committing offences.

Hacking it Legal | The Computer Misuse Act 1990
The Computer Misuse Act 1990 was created to deal with the issue of accessing or modifying data without permission. Find out about it’s origins and it’s legal boundaries.

Hacking it Legal | Parents Guardians Carers
Designed to introduce the Cyber Choices programme to parents, guardians and carers, to explain how where the legal boundaries are online and give details of resources childrencan use to develop their cyber skills.

The following documents created by the National Crime Agency ‘Cyber Offences department are for children and young people.

Cyber Choices | Under 12s

Cyber Choices | 12-17

Cyber Choices | Over 18s

Elearning

Childhood in the digital ageOnline safety awareness

Provider: Open Learn

published: Free

Are you a technology optimist or a technology pessimist? The amount of technology available to children today is greater than in any previous generation, and it is more specifically designed to capture their imaginations. There is heated debate as to how the digital influx is shaping children’s development and experience.

Online safety trainingE-safety training to help you keep children and young people safe online

Provider: NSPCC

published: £35.00

Do you know your Fortnite from your Snapchat? Do you know the role online technologies play in children and young people’s lives and the risks they might face? The online world brings many positives and possibilities, but it’s also full of risks – and it’s constantly changing. Developed by the NSPCC in association with NCA-CEOP, the child protection unit of the National Crime Agency, this elearning course will help you to understand what children and young people do online, why they take risks and how to respond to these risks so you can feel confident in protecting the children you work with.

Sharing nudes and semi-nudes trainingOnline course to help professionals respond to incidents of nude image sharing or sexting

Provider: NSPCC

published: £25.00

This course explores these motivations as well as issues around consent, gender, additional needs and age variations. It looks at the risks involved and what steps you need to take to respond appropriately. It also covers how to recognise when sharing imagery is harmful sexual behaviour and how you can safeguard the young people involved.

Podcasts

How do we protect teenagers from sextortion scams?Awareness and guidance

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Murray Dowey, a 16-year-old from Dunblane, was targeted by a sextortion scammer in the hours before he took his own life. Now his parents are raising awareness of this increasingly prevalent crime. Libby Brooks reports.

How Facebook and Instagram became marketplaces for child sex trafficking – podcastSocial Media awareness

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Our two-year investigation suggests that the tech giant Meta is struggling to prevent criminals from using its platforms to buy and sell children for sex

IWF | How online predators use privacy apps (In conversation with…)Guidance and advice

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In Conversation With Tegan Insoll, Head of Research at Suojellaan Lapsia, and Dan Sexton, Chief Technology Officer at the IWF. New research shows online offenders are choosing end-to-end encrypted messaging apps to contact children and to spread child sexual abuse material amid renewed calls for Meta to rethink its planned roll out of end-to-end encryption on Facebook Messsenger.

Life OnlineOfcom is launching an important new initiative to help improve online safety among communities most at risk of online harm.

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Media literacy is crucial in helping to build a safer life online. It empowers us to become informed digital decision-makers and, importantly, to identify and protect ourselves and others against harmful content. It’s also our ticket to fully participating in society, at a time when keeping connected with the world, services and people around us has never been more important.

Nowhere to Hide?Discussing the spread of child sexual abuse material online

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The podcast, titled Nowhere to Hide? is part of the IWF’s In Conversation With series exploring the technological and political issues surrounding the global spread of child sexual abuse material.

Online misogyny: what impact is it having on children?Discussing the increase in misogynist behaviour

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According to new research by the children’s commissioner for England, one in 10 children have watched pornography by the time they are nine years old. And teachers say the effects are being felt in schools. So what makes young people vulnerable to this kind of content, and what impact might it have on their brains and behaviour?

Online safety - a young person’s perspective (28 Feb 2025)Learn what young people think about the online world, including content moderation, misinformation and Generative AI

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In this podcast episode, you’ll hear from Will and Zara, two young people from the NSPCC’s Voice of Online Youth group. They provide an insight into what life online is like for them, what makes them feel safe online and what online safety topics they’d like to learn more about.

Online safety in a SEND setting ft. Nicola HollandFor SEND teachers

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We hear from Nicola — an Assistant Head teacher working in an all-through complex needs school — about her experiences of supporting students to navigate their online lives.

Pornography and Young PeopleA New Interface Podcast Episode with Professor Andy Phippen

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Throughout the podcast, it was highlighted that the topic of pornography is considered to be an important conversation for young people to have. The presenters discuss the difficulty of addressing pornography with young people, and the ways to address the subject in an appropriate setting that encourages healthy conversation.

Put it down! Should children be allowed smartphones?Children's access to smart phones

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Almost all children have them by the time they are 11 years old – and some get them at four. But are they ruining childhoods? Blake Montgomery reports

SafetoNet Foundation Safeguarding PodcastOnline Safeguarding

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The SafeToNet Foundation’s Safeguarding podcasts focusses on safeguarding children in the online digital context. We cover the technical, legal and cultural aspects of topics such as cyber-abuse, cyberbullying, sexting, sextortion, digital wellbeing and how to keep children safer online.

Young people, online wellbeing, and developing healthier habits InterfaceOnline Wellbeing

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SWGFL have just released their latest podcast episode for Interface which discusses the online wellbeing of young people and how they can develop healthier relationships with technology. This episode they are joined by guest speaker Catherine Knibbs, UKCP accredited psychotherapist and cyber trauma expert, who speaks with Jess McBeath and young podcast presenter Ailish Hunter around the subject.

Video

Websites

Band RunnerFun runner-style game for 8-10 year olds on the CEOP Education website.

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The game features some familiar faces: Sam, Alfie and Ellie from the Play Like Share animations are continuing their adventures and helping children to build their knowledge, confidence and skills to stay safe from sexual abuse and other risks they might encounter online.

BBC Own ItOnline Safety information targeted for children and young people

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BBC’s own it is a place to find help, support and advice on how to life your best online life. From being safe and kind online, to dealing with bullies, scams and trolls. The Basics covers different parts of the online world, whether that’s social media, gaming, vlogging or getting to know your device.

Be Internet Legends (Google)Online Safety guidance and resources

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Helping children be safe and confident explorers of the online world, To make the most of the internet, children need to make smart decisions. Be Internet Legends empowers younger children to use the web safely and wisely, so they can be confident explorers of the online world.

CEOP EducationResources and support for children, parents and professionals

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The National Crime Agency’s CEOP Education team aim to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse. They do this through their education programme, providing training, resources and information to professionals working with children, young people and their families.
(Formerly ThinkUKnow)

CEOP Support centreOnline Safeguarding reporting tool

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Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? Make a report to one of CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors

ChildlineOnline and telephone support helpline

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Phone: 0800 1111

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Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

ChildnetClassroom resources and guidance for parents/carers

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Childnet International is a non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.

Fully HumanFully Human is the research and development arm of the PSHE Association.

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Fully Human is the research and development arm of the PSHE Association. It’s our place to think, stretch out and join the dots between this fast changing world and what might best support children and young people to navigate it.

Internet MattersSupporting families stay safe online

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Get expert support and practical tips to help children benefit from connected technology and the internet safely and smartly. Find information and safety settings for your child’s devices and apps, along with guidance to tackle online issues they may face.

Internet Matters: Teens’ online dating and relationshipsHelp teens stay safe as they interact with others online

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Get expert advice and guidance across a range of subjects about online dating and relationships

IWF: Make sure your home doesn’t have an open door to child Sexual abusersGuidance for parents and carers

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Increasingly, young people are being contacted in their own homes on online platforms and apps and asked for sexual pictures and videos, while their parents and carers are totally unaware. From the Internet Watch Foundation, this provides information and a downloadable resource to encourage conversation and keep young people safe.

ParentzoneTargeted online safety guidance for parents and carers

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Parentzone: To improve outcomes for children in an increasingly digital world. To test assumptions and stereotypes around digital family life. To understand what parents and families need – and provide support when it’s most needed.

Professionals Online Safety HelplineSupporting professionals working with children and young people, with any online safety issue they may be having

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Phone: 03443814772

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The helpline is available to anyone working with children and young people dealing with any online safety issues. We mostly hear from schools but we support all sorts of people and organisations such as; police, social care, sports clubs, churches, mosques and other places of worship, further education settings, small charities, soft play spaces, and more.

Report Remove (NSPCC)Content removal tool

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Report Remove is here to help young people under 18 in the UK to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet.

SextortionAdvice for professionals, young people, parents and carers

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In response to the growing concern around the rise of sextortion cases seen from the three UK Safer Internet Centre partners, this page is there to offer support and guidance for how to respond to incidents and concerns. This page is primarily for young people who have been affected but if you are an adult concerned about sextortion, you can find advice from the Revenge Porn Helpline.

SWGFL: Online Safety and GamingAdvice with downloadable resource

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From socialising online to in-game purchases to the future of interaction, find out everything you need to know about online safety in gaming.

SWGFL: Online Safety and Social MediaGuidance with downloadable resource

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Social media offers a connective power unlike any other. Although we may all be very familiar with liking, sharing, hashtagging and streaming, social media has taken the world by storm in quite a short space of time. As one of the most accessible and available platforms to connect with others, many young people will start their social media journeys from quite a young age. Throughout this hub we’ll guide you on everything you need to know about social media and how you can raise awareness around online safety.

SWGFL: Sexting GuidanceGuidance for professionals working with young people

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Sexting continues to be a concern that many educational establishments reach out to the Helpline about for support. Cases involving sexting are often multifaceted and complex, and every school will have different safeguarding policies to help address a sexting incident.

The Dark Web ExplainedFor parents/carers

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The Dark Web Explained has been created by the National Crime Agency in collaboration with The Children’s Society and Marie Collins Foundation. This resource has been developed in response to recommendations from professionals and from research which found that many professionals, parents and carers do not understand the Dark Web and feel unequipped to talk to a young person about it should the need arise.

The MixThe UK’s leading support service for young people

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The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.

Think Before you ShareAims to help open a dialogue between parents and teens amid warnings the sharing of nudes

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The campaign, aims to help open a dialogue between parents and teens amid warnings the sharing and soliciting of nudes is becoming “normalised” among young people. Called ‘Think before you share’, it also warns young people about the pitfalls of sharing their own and others’ explicit images.

Documents

Generative Artificial IntelligenceChild safety risks highlighted around Gen AI include sexual grooming, sexual extortion and exposure to harmful content.

Author: NSPCC

Published: 28-01-2025

NSPCC Learning has published new research on Generative (Gen) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on children’s safety and wellbeing. Child safety risks highlighted around Gen AI include sexual grooming, sexual extortion and exposure to harmful content.

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X (Formally Twitter) ChecklistInformation on how to keep your X profile under your control

Author: SWGFL

Published: 04-12-2024

Whether you’re new to X or an experienced user, managing your profile can sometimes feel overwhelming. The X Checklist simplifies this process by addressing the most common questions people have about their profiles. Available to download or order online.

‘So You Got Naked Online’ ReleasedNew Version

Author: SWGFL

Published: 29-11-2024

The way young people communicate online is constantly evolving and it is essential that young people are provided with up-to-date advice and support. With the latest online safety concerns in mind, SWGfL has released a new version of So You Got Naked Online, to provide children, guardians and teachers with essential advice on what to do if a young person (or a friend) has put a sexting image or video online and have lost control over that content and who it’s being shared with. Available to download or order online. SEND version also available.

Online safety: government prioritiesIts work to implement the Online Safety Act.

Author: Gov.UK

Published: 20-11-2024

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced new online safety priorities for Ofcom as it continues its work to implement the Online Safety Act. Ofcom will have to report back to the Secretary of State on what action it has taken against the priorities. The draft Statement of strategic priorities for online safety focuses on five key areas: implementing safety by design; increasing transparency and accountability of online platforms; maintaining regulatory agility to keep pace with changing technology and behaviour; building an inclusive and resilient online society of well-informed users; and supporting continued innovation in safety technologies. The Government has also announced plans for a new research project looking at the effects of smartphones and social media on children to help build the evidence base around online harms.

Web

Insights on responses to children experiencing online harm and abuseOnline Harms

Author: NSPCC

Published: 16-08-2024

This briefing uses insights from Childline counselling sessions and NSPCC Helpline contacts to share the types of responses children receive after they have told someone about their experiences of online harm or abuse.

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Insights and Trends: Analysis of Report Harmful Content 2023Summary for Harmful Content 2023 report

Author: SWGFL

Published: 28-03-2024

Report Harmful Content is a national alternative dispute resolution service provided by the UK Safer Internet Centre and operated by SWGfL, empowering anyone over the age of 13 and living in the UK to report harmful content online.

Insights and Trends: Analysis of Report Harmful Content2023 Update

Author: SWGFL

Published: 28-03-2024

Report Harmful Content is a national alternative dispute resolution service provided by the UK Safer Internet Centre and operated by SWGfL, empowering anyone over the age of 13 and living in the UK to report harmful content online.

PDF

Understanding Pathways to Online Violent Content Among ChildrenExplores the pathways through which children encounter violent content online

Author: Ofcom

Published: 14-03-2024

This research explores the pathways through which children encounter violent content online, the impact this can have, and perceptions and use of safety measures. It also provides an overview of children’s description of what violent content looks like, which they said was an ‘unavoidable’ part of being online. Content warning: This report contains mention of potentially distressing themes regarding children’s experiences with violent content, including sexual violence. The report contains generalised descriptions of specific pieces of violent content, but detailed descriptions have been omitted.

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Sharing nudes and semi-nudes: advice for education settings working with children and young peopleGuidance on responding to incidents and safeguarding children and young people

Author: Gov.UK

Published: 11-03-2024

This non-statutory advice aims to support designated safeguarding leads (or equivalents) and senior leadership teams in education settings in England in responding effectively to incidents involving the sharing of nudes and semi-nudes.

Making sure your home doesn’t have an open door to child Sexual abusersGuidance for parents and carers

Author: Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)

Published: 25-01-2024

Young people are being contacted in their own homes on online platforms and apps and asked for sexual pictures and videos, while their parents and carers believe they are safe. More and more sexual abuse material is created by offenders who coerce and groom children into sexual activities, often in children’s own bedrooms and bathrooms. They then record this via webcams or livestreaming services. It’s known as ‘self -generated’ child sexual abuse imagery. This is happening now, and it can happen to anyone. But you can do something about it; you can help prevent it happening to your child. If you’re asking yourself what and how, this guidance will help you.

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Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet SafetyA guide for parents

Author: Cerebra

Published: 25-01-2024

All parents understand the importance of Internet safety. Our guide outlines some suggestions to help you limit the risk of your child having negative experiences online and understand what action can be taken if they do. This guide also suggests resources that will help your child get the most out of the Internet.

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Talk Trust Empower: Child Sexual Abuse Research ReportResearch Report

Author: IWF/University of Southampton

Published: 11-01-2024

In 2021, the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) ran a public awareness campaign with the aim of building public resilience to the threat of self-generated indecent imagery of children. As part of the monitoring and evaluation of the campaign, three surveys were conducted on the issue: one before the launch of the campaign, one following the first six weeks of campaign activity and one at the end of a further six weeks’ activity. The purpose of the secondary analysis was to produce insights into both parents’ and children’s awareness, understanding and behaviour in relation to self-generated indecent imagery.

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Research on harmful sexual behaviour in online contextsKey messages

Author: Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual abuse

Published: 01-11-2023

“Our ‘Key messages from research’ papers aim to provide succinct, relevant information for frontline practitioners and commissioners. They bring together the most up-to-date research into an accessible overview, supporting confident provision of the best possible responses to child sexual abuse. This paper focused on children and young people who display harmful sexual behaviours in online contexts.”

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Managing risk and trauma after online sexual offendingA whole-family safeguarding guide

Author: Centre or Expertise on Child Secual abuse

Published: 01-05-2023

This resource is for social work practitioners and managers. It has been designed to aid their thinking and decision-making when assessing and supporting a family where a parent is under police investigation for accessing child sexual abuse material. It provides social workers with the information they need to safeguard and support the whole family at a time of great emotional distress.

PDF

YJLC: Legal guides #12 SextingYouth Justice guide

Author: Youth Justice legal Centre

Published: 01-01-2023

This guide will provide an overview of ‘sexting’ and will explain how to defend a child who has an allegation of sexting made against them.

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Classroom Resources

CyberFirst Navigators

Developed in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre, this pack supports an interactive video resource to develop students’ key knowledge, skills and behaviours — to help them navigate the risks of online life.

Category: Cyber Crime, Online Safety

Audience: KS3

Developed by: National Cyber Security Centre/PSHE Association

Duration (minutes):

Keywords:

There are 3 new lessons available in total, covering:
Lesson 1 – Cyber security and the implications/threats
Students will learn about the risks to personal information online, and how to protect personal information
Lesson 2 – Managing devices and accounts
Students will learn how to keep accounts and devices safe, and what to do if security is breached
Lesson 3 – Identifying scams and sources of support
Students will learn how to identify signs of online scams, where to report cyber security incidents and what happens when reporting

Making the right #CyberChoices

A free lesson pack to help upper KS2 pupils make safe cyber choices and prevent them from unknowingly committing cybercrime, as defined under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Category: Crime and ASB, Cyber Crime, Online Safety

Audience: KS2

Developed by: NCA/PSHE Association

Duration (minutes): 2 x 30

Keywords:

Making the right #CyberChoices features a series of fictional characters and real-life, age-appropriate scenarios to encourage pupils to think about why young people commit cybercrime, and the potential consequences — for themselves and others. There are also opportunities for pupils to consider how the same skills being used to commit cybercrime could be used in a more positive way.

News

10/03/2025: Surge in use of ‘game-changing’ Report Remove service

Child protection analysts have seen a significant rise in reports from children accessing the world-leading Report Remove service run by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the NSPCC’s Childline service.

Internet Watch Foundation

09/03/2025: Children in UK as young as 11 targeted by sextortion criminals, data reveals

Internet Watch Foundation says ‘worrying’ trend shows criminals are casting their nets wider to trap victims.

Guardian

09/03/2025: Our teenage son was targeted by a sextortionist online – here’s what we did

Help is available for children tricked into sending intimate images, but regular conversations about internet safety are ‘part of parenting now’.

Guardian

07/03/2025: Plan to make phone use safer for teens watered down

A bill that had suggested banning smartphones in schools and addictive algorithms aimed at young teenagers has been watered down to gain government support.

BBC News

05/03/2025: I wish my job didn’t exist – the team that has to find child abuse images

At home she is a loving grandmother who enjoys spending time with her grandkids but at work Mabel has to watch the internet’s most “abhorrent” child sex abuse.

BBC News

03/03/2025: TikTok profiting from sexual livestreams involving children, BBC told

TikTok is profiting from sexual livestreams performed by teens as young as 15, the BBC has been told.

BBC News

03/03/2025: TikTok investigated over use of children’s data

The UK data watchdog has launched what it calls a “major investigation” into TikTok’s use of children’s personal information.

BBC News

27/02/2025: Ban degrading and violent online porn, review proposes

Degrading, violent and misogynistic pornography should be banned, a review of the industry has recommended.

BBC News

27/02/2025: What the Online Safety Act is – and how to keep children safe online

Technology companies will have to take more action to keep children in the UK safe on the internet, following the introduction of the Online Safety Act.

BBC News

27/02/2025: SWGfL Welcomes Pornography Review Recommendations

A comprehensive list of recommendations for strengthening protections on online pornography has been published today and delivered to the Government.

South West Grid for Learning