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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Sally Weale Education correspondent

Almost half of children in England have seen harmful content online – survey

Child using a computer
Children are being exposed to pornography, sexualised and violent imagery and anonymous trolling, as well as content featuring self-harm and suicide, according to the survey. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA

The children’s commissioner for England has said she fears there could be a repeat of the Molly Russell tragedy, after research showed almost half of children have seen harmful content online, including material promoting self-harm and suicide.

The research published on Thursday by Dame Rachel de Souza found that 45% of children aged eight to 17 have come across material they felt was inappropriate or made them worried or upset, though half of them did not report it.

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