After The i Paper's investigation into harmful videos being pushed to 13-year-olds on TikTok, the media watchdog Ofcom is considering expanding what content should be considered harmful to children
After The i Paper's investigation into harmful videos being pushed to 13-year-olds on TikTok, the media watchdog Ofcom is considering expanding what content should be considered harmful to childrenSocial media videos that fuel feelings of depression and are pushed to children could soon be outlawed under new rules being considered by media regulator Ofcom.
But the media regulator has confirmed it is now gathering evidence to include posts that “promote a depressive state of mind, particularly when seen in high volumes”.‘s investigation saw potentially harmful content – such as clips about feeling depressed or lonely – pushed at a rate of once every two minutes with seven videos featuring depression arriving in less than 45 minutes
“These posts can be extremely damaging to children and other vulnerable people, even if some users find these videos helpful or share them in good faith.”Onwurah’s committee is gathering evidence as part of their inquiry into social media, misinformation and harmful algorithms ahead of filing recommendations to the Government later this year to help protect vulnerable users online.
Many school are prohibiting mobile-phone use over concerns for children’s mental health The Safer Phones Bill will soon have a second reading in Parliament and it proposes social media companies should be prevented from using algorithms to push content to child accounts. The Bill, which is due to have a second reading on 7 March, would also ban the use of smartphones in schools and require under-16s to get a parent or legal guardian’s permission to use social apps.’s investigation also found “unreliable” videos about ADHD and autism were frequently pushed to a 13-year old girl’s Instagram account, prompting concerns of misinformation and distress among young viewers who may be wrongly persuaded they have these complex conditions.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Protester Admits Damaging Stone of Destiny Display Case at Edinburgh CastleA 22-year-old man pleaded guilty to damaging a display case containing the Stone of Destiny at Edinburgh Castle. The incident occurred during a protest demanding lower baby product prices and government funding for food hubs.
Read more »
Grandfather furious after telecoms workers install 'eyesore' broadband pole damaging his drivewayA grandfather in Greater Manchester is furious after telecoms workers installed a 40ft metal broadband pole outside his house without warning, damaging his driveway and garden wall.
Read more »
Trump's 'America First' Policies Seen Damaging Global Growth, Economists WarnFinancial Times polls of economists reveal concerns that Donald Trump's protectionist economic policies will harm global growth, despite investor optimism. Many economists predict inflation and caution from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate cuts. While the US economy is expected to outperform Europe in 2025, there are fears of a stagflationary world due to Trump's policies.
Read more »
Taiwan Probes Chinese-Owned Ship Suspected of Damaging Subsea CableTaiwan has requested South Korean assistance in investigating a Chinese-owned cargo vessel suspected of cutting a crucial subsea cable off its northern coast. The incident raises concerns about the vulnerability of Taiwan's communications infrastructure and the potential for sabotage by China.
Read more »
How to Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home Without Damaging Your NailsAward-winning nail artist Kirsty Meakin shares tips on how to safely remove gel nail polish at home, including avoiding picking or peeling and using acetone nail polish remover.
Read more »
Gizzi Erskine confronts online trolls and their damaging impact on her reputationCelebrated food writer Gizzi Erskine reflects on her struggle with online negativity, revealing the profound impact anonymous comments have had on her mental health and career. She shares her journey of self-improvement, detailing the various therapies she's undertaken to overcome past challenges, but ultimately concludes that the only opinions that truly matter are those of her close circle.
Read more »