Adults might want to listen to this episode before listening with young children, as we mention the words self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders in the context of examples of harmful online content.

The new Act aims to protect young people from harmful content online and puts new obligations on online platforms to make them more responsible for their users safety.

Alma - Constance and Lucinda speak to Jess Smith, Ofcom's online safety director, who explains:

·      How the Act will stop children being harmed by online activity.

·      What tech companies will have to do to protect vulnerable people.

·      The ways to ensure age checks and change inappropriate algorithms.

·      How children have been involved to discuss their online experiences.

·      What Ofcom can do to ensure that the online providers obey with the new laws?

When Jess was 10 years old, she says she was very chatty, into climbing trees and cartwheels and really liked reading.  Her ambition was to be a professional horse rider competing in the Olympics.

Written, edited and produced by Lucinda Acland.

Resources and References

Ofcom

What the Online Safety Act does

Links for places that offer children support if they see harmful content online:

·       Internet Matters

·       NSPCC

·       Childnet

·       SWG4L

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

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See you soon in the next episode!