Is social media harming children’s wellbeing?

Children are growing up online under constant algorithm-driven exposure to harmful content, from fake news and hate to body image pressure and violence.

Across the UK and US, children are exposed to around 2,000 posts a day, an endless feed subtly yet profoundly altering how they see themselves, each other, and the world.

Protecting children online requires more than blocking extremes and although the UK government’s Online Safety Act is now in force and offers protections that didn’t previously exist, concerns remain that it doesn’t go far enough to address how children experience the internet.

New research shows 77% of children say social media is damaging their health, but most feel powerless to stop it.

Aston spoke to Daniela Fernandez, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Sway.ly.