UK children are spending at least two hours a day on social media, according to new research conducted by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. The findings reveal that children aged between eight and 14 are averaging nearly three hours of online activity each day, with the majority of that time devoted to social media platforms. This represents a significant portion of their daily digital engagement, underscoring the growing influence of social media in shaping the habits and interactions of younger generations. The study, based on a survey of 692 UK children who regularly use the internet, highlights both the widespread adoption of these platforms and the varying degrees of engagement across different age groups and platforms.
Among the platforms surveyed, YouTube emerged as the most popular, accounting for 27 percent of children’s online activity, or an average of 48 minutes per day. Snapchat followed closely behind, capturing 25 percent of online time, equivalent to 45 minutes daily. Other platforms such as TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook or Messenger saw lower levels of engagement, with TikTok contributing 8 percent of total usage (15 minutes per day), WhatsApp at 5 percent (nine minutes), Instagram at 2 percent (four minutes), and Facebook or Messenger at 2 percent (three minutes). These figures illustrate a clear hierarchy of platform preference, with YouTube and Snapchat dominating the landscape for children in this age bracket.
The research also revealed notable differences in platform usage depending on the child’s age. For instance, while eight to nine-year-olds spent a substantial 53 minutes (45 percent of their online time) on YouTube, this proportion dropped significantly for 13 to 14-year-olds, who spent only 31 minutes (13 percent) on the platform. Conversely, Snapchat’s appeal increased with age, rising from just six minutes daily for the youngest group to an impressive one hour and 37 minutes for the oldest, representing 40 percent of their online activity. Similarly, TikTok usage gradually increased from six minutes for eight to nine-year-olds to 21 minutes for 13 to 14-year-olds, indicating a shift in preferences as children grow older.
Another striking finding was the gender gap in screen time. On average, girls aged eight to 14 spent three hours and seven minutes online daily, which was 17 minutes more than boys, who averaged two hours and 50 minutes. This disparity became even more pronounced among 13 to 14-year-olds, with girls spending four hours and 28 minutes online compared to boys’ three hours and 30 minutes. Ofcom suggested that the exclusion of gaming devices from the study—since the data focused solely on smartphones, tablets, and computers—might contribute to this difference, as gaming consoles are typically associated with male-dominated activities.
The study also highlighted concerns regarding late-night screen time, with 64 percent of children aged eight to 14 accessing their devices between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. at least once over a four-week period. Snapchat users were particularly active during these hours, with 79 percent visiting the platform, followed by WhatsApp (69 percent), YouTube (52 percent), TikTok (51 percent), and Instagram (46 percent). Between 4 and 10 percent of total online time for the 8–14 age group occurred during these late-night hours, raising questions about the potential effects of prolonged screen exposure on sleep patterns and overall health.
Meanwhile, political and public discourse surrounding social media regulation intensified, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announcing sweeping reforms aimed at protecting children online. His administration proposed a ban on under-16s from certain platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat, starting as early as next spring. The policy would restrict children from joining user-to-user platforms, livestreaming, and communicating with strangers online. Additionally, AI chatbots simulating romantic or sexual relationships would require users to be at least 18 years old. While the reforms have been praised by organizations such as the NSPCC as a positive step toward child safety, critics argue that the measures may inadvertently drive children toward less regulated online spaces, potentially increasing their vulnerability to exploitation.
Campaigners and members of Parliament, including Josh Dean, a young MP from the Labour Party, expressed concerns that the reforms could become a “missed opportunity” to create a safer digital environment. Dean emphasized that while the issue of online safety is valid, a blanket ban may not be the most effective solution. He argued that young people, who have grown up with social media as an integral part of their lives, may struggle to adapt to restrictions, potentially leading them to seek alternative, poorly regulated platforms. Furthermore, Dean warned that marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ youth, could face additional challenges if access to supportive online communities is restricted.
At the same time, legal authorities have been addressing the darker side of social media, with recent high-profile cases highlighting the dangers posed by predatory behavior. A man named Waleed Saeed, a 31-year-old British-born Muslim of Somali descent, was recently jailed for 16 years after using multiple fake social media profiles to blackmail and sexually assault young Muslim men. Saeed operated a sophisticated scheme spanning several years, creating over 100 fake profiles on platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and Grindr to lure victims into sending intimate images. He would then threaten to expose these images to their families and communities, coercing them into paying ransoms or meeting him in person for sexual assaults. His actions resulted in numerous crimes, including rape, blackmail, and the creation of indecent images of children. The case has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of online safety laws and greater awareness of the risks associated with digital predators.
As the debate over regulating social media continues, the findings from Ofcom and the legal consequences faced by individuals like Waleed Saeed serve as stark reminders of the dual-edged nature of online platforms. While social media offers opportunities for connection and self-expression, it also presents serious risks, especially for vulnerable populations. The challenge lies in balancing the need for protection with the recognition that digital spaces play a vital role in the lives of young people. Moving forward, policymakers, educators, and community leaders must work collaboratively to ensure that children are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital world safely.
4 reports
The IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8523 days agoNew research by Ofcom indicates that UK children aged 8 to 14 spend nearly three hours online daily, with at least two hours devoted to social media. YouTube is the leading platform, followed by Snapchat. Usage patterns shift significantly with age, with younger children favoring YouTube and older children showing increased use of Snapchat.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from Ofcom without apparent ideological framing. It reports on platform usage trends among children without taking a stance or using biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Accurately reports on Brexit's impact with specific percentages and timeline. Presents both sides of the argument but maintains a neutral tone throughout, avoiding strong emotional language.
The IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7523 days ago Fears Starmer’s ‘rush job’ social media reforms could send children to ‘darker places’ onlineThe UK government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has introduced new social media restrictions aimed at protecting children online. Under-16s will be banned from joining user-to-user platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, as well as from livestreaming and communicating with strangers. AI chatbots simulating romantic or sexual relationships will require users to be at least 18. The reforms have received support from some groups, but critics argue they may drive children to less regulated online spaces and fail to adequately address issues with major technology companies.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both supportive and critical perspectives on the proposed social media reforms without overtly favoring one side. It includes quotes from officials supporting the changes and mentions concerns raised by campaigners and MPs. The language remains neutral, avoiding strong emotional
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): Facts about the social media ban and reader reactions are presented accurately. The article includes diverse opinions from readers, maintaining a balance. However, some sections contain biased language suggesting government overreach, slightly lowering objectivity.
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8019 days agoA UK man named Waleed Saeed has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for blackmailing and exploiting Muslim men online over a six-year period. He used fake online profiles, often pretending to be a young or transgender woman, to lure victims into sending intimate photos. He then threatened to expose them to their families, communities, and employers unless they paid him money. In one instance, he sent compromising images to a victim's acquaintance. Saeed was arrested in 2024 after coercing a victim to meet him in a park, where he raped and sexually assaulted him. He was convicted of 17 charges
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a criminal conviction without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on legal proceedings and does not take a stance on broader social issues.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Describes a specific event with contextual details about the conflict between Harry Styles concert and the World Cup. Factual accuracy is strong, but objectivity is somewhat affected by the humorous tone and focus on personal anecdotes.
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 7019 days agoA British-born Muslim man named Waleed Saeed, of Somali descent, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for creating over 100 fake social media profiles to blackmail and sexually assault young Muslim men and teenagers, some as young as 15. Using platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Grindr, Saeed solicited intimate images from victims who were often private about being gay or bisexual, then threatened to expose them to their families and friends unless they paid him. When victims couldn't pay, he forced them into in-person meetings to sexually assault them. Saeed was convicted of 17 offenses, including rape, blackmail, and producing indecent images of children. His crimes, which began in 2018, were uncovered after an 18-year-old victim reported a rape in a London park. Forensic evidence from the victim’s phone helped identify Saeed, leading to his arrest and the discovery of additional intimate images of other victims, some believed to be minors. The Metropolitan Police is investigating up to 100 more potential victims.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a criminal case involving exploitation and abuse, which is primarily a legal and social issue rather than directly tied to politics. While the perpetrator's background and the targeting of specific communities might raise sociopolitical questions, the article itself presents a
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Accurately reports on the social media ban and related concerns. The article includes quotes from Ian Russell and mentions criticisms of the reform as a 'rush job'. Emotional language and subjective interpretations affect objectivity.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
United Kingdom
