The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Social media being used by growing number of children under 11 despite age limits
Less than a third of parents could correctly state the minimum age limit of social networks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A growing number of children under the age of 11 are registering for social media accounts despite minimum age limits, a new report finds.
Ofcom - the UK's communications regulator - has published its annual report looking at the types of services and devices children are using.
After analysing the media use of approximately 2,000 three to 15-year-olds across the country, it found that a number of young children have their own social media accounts.
Despite the fact most social networks do not allow children under 13 to register, the poll revealed that 18 per cent of eight to 11-year-olds had a profile of their own.
What’s more, less than a third of parents who knew their child had a social media profile could correctly state the minimum age limit of the social networks.
Currently, the minimum age to open an account on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Snapchat is 13.
YouTube requires account holders to be 18, however a 13-year-old can sign up with a parent’s permission.
Despite these published age restrictions, a growing number of children are using social media networks, with or without their parent’s knowledge and consent.
The findings come just days after health secretary Matt Hancock announced social media companies may be banned in the UK if they fail to remove damaging material from their platforms.
The announcement followed the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who’d been found to have come across imagery associated with depression, self-harm and suicide on social media.
As such, it’s vital that parents and/or guardians have as much knowledge as possible about their child’s online activity.
You can find a list of social media apps your child could be using that you may have never heard of here.
Ofcom’s annual report highlighted an increase in popularity for Instagram, WhatsApp and Snapchat among 12 to 15-year-olds, while Facebook was named as the “main” social network by 31 per cent.
It also revealed teenagers were aware of the pressures of social media, with 78 per cent saying they felt there was pressure to “look popular”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments