Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

New UK Age Verification Rules Spark Safety Debate

7/14/2025

38 9

Left

Dawes Advocates Safety

Ofcom's Melanie Dawes believes that the new age verification rules for online platforms in the UK will greatly improve child safety. Yet, campaigners warn these measures might fall short in shielding children from harmful content. In a related effort, two fathers are taking legal action to prohibit smartphones in schools, driven by safety fears and rising cyberbullying incidents.

Right

Parents Demand Smartphone Ban

Parents and campaigners in the UK are taking a stand against the government's inaction on smartphone use in schools, linking it to rising bullying and abuse. They have issued a legal letter demanding a judicial review, spotlighting shocking statistics on online dangers and urging for a mandatory ban to safeguard children's well-being during school hours.

1 of 2

Dawes Advocates Safety

Ofcom's Melanie Dawes believes that the new age verification rules for online platforms in the UK will greatly improve child safety. Yet, campaigners warn these measures might fall short in shielding children from harmful content. In a related effort, two fathers are taking legal action to prohibit smartphones in schools, driven by safety fears and rising cyberbullying incidents.

1 / 2