Teenagers exposed to ‘horrific’ content online – and this survey reveals the scale of the problem

The Alarming Reality of Teenagers’ Online Experiences

A recent survey conducted by Sky News among over 1,000 teenagers aged 14-17 in Darlington schools has revealed some concerning insights into their online experiences. The survey highlights the pervasive exposure of teenagers to inappropriate content, including violence and explicit material, as well as their frequent contact with strangers online. These findings raise significant questions about the adequacy of current measures taken by governments and tech companies to protect young users. The survey indicates that many teenagers are spending an average of six hours or more online each day, equivalent to a typical school day, with some spending up to eight hours or more. This level of exposure to the digital world underscores the urgent need for better protection and regulation.

The Extent of Exposure to Harmful Content

The survey sheds light on the alarming extent to which teenagers are exposed to harmful content. Approximately 55% of Year 10 students (aged 14-15) reported encountering sexually explicit or violent content, with about 50% of these instances occurring without them actively searching for such material. This suggests that algorithms on social media platforms are inadvertently pushing inappropriate content to young users. Furthermore, 75% of the under-16 group reported being contacted by strangers through social media and online gaming, which adds another layer of concern regarding online safety. These statistics reveal a disturbing trend where young users are consistently exposed to content that is not only inappropriate but also potentially harmful to their mental and emotional well-being.

Doom-Scrolling and Its Impact on Teenagers

The concept of "doom-scrolling" has emerged as a significant issue, where teenagers spend excessive time consuming negative news or social media content. This habit, often driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO), can lead to a cycle of addiction and negative mental health outcomes. Teenagers in the survey admitted to spending considerable time online, with some like Matthew Adams acknowledging that they could spend up to nine hours online on weekends. This level of engagement not only affects their physical health but also their mental health, as they are constantly exposed to upsetting and triggering content. The easy availability of such content on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Snapchat further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for teenagers to disengage from these harmful patterns.

Teenagers Speak Out: Personal Stories and Struggles

The personal accounts from teenagers in the focus group provide a harrowing insight into their online experiences. Jacob Lea, a 15-year-old, described seeing "gore, animal abuse, car crashes, everything related to death, torture" on social media without actively seeking such content. Similarly, Summer Batley, aged 14, shared her distressing encounters with content promoting harmful behaviors like extreme dieting, which continued to appear despite her efforts to report it. These stories are not isolated; many teenagers in the focus group recounted experiences of being added to group chats with strangers who shared disturbing images, leading to feelings of anxiety and vulnerability. These personal narratives highlight the urgent need for stronger safeguards and better content moderation to protect young users.

The Bigger Picture: Scores on Online Safety Measures

The findings of the survey resonate beyond the town of Darlington, reflecting a broader issue of online safety that concerns teenagers across the UK. The Online Safety Act, passed in October 2023, aims to address these challenges by imposing stricter regulations on social media platforms to protect users, especially children. However, the enforcement of this legislation remains a critical challenge. Labor MP Lola McEvoy emphasized the need for enforceable age verification, better content controls, and stronger legislation to ensure that children can use the internet without fear. The survey also revealed that fewer than a third of teenagers (31%) were always asked their age before viewing inappropriate content, indicating a significant gap in current safety measures.

Calls for Action: Protecting Young Minds in the Digital Age

The voices of the teenagers surveyed are clear: they do not advocate for a complete ban on social media or smartphones but insist on tougher controls to protect them from harmful content. While platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have introduced measures such as Teen Accounts and private settings for under-16s, more needs to be done to address the root causes of these issues. Parents and teachers are doing their best to guide teenagers, but the complexity of the issue demands a collective effort from tech companies, policymakers, and society at large. The time to act is now, as the mental health and well-being of young people depend on it. By prioritizing their safety and well-being in the digital world, we can help empower teenagers to navigate the internet confidently and responsibly.