WRDA Calls for Stronger Regulation – Not Blanket Bans – to Protect Young People Online
27 May 2026 - The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) has submitted its response to the UK Government’s Growing Up in a World Online consultation, urging policymakers to take a balanced, rights-based approach to online safety for children and young people.
WRDA highlights the disproportionate impact of online harms on girls and young women, noting evidence that social media platforms expose them to misogyny, harassment, harmful beauty standards, grooming and exploitation. The organisation stresses that any policy response must recognise and address these gendered risks.
While acknowledging widespread concern about children’s online safety, WRDA cautions against blanket age-based bans on social media. The organisation warns that such measures could be difficult to enforce, risk pushing young people toward unregulated online spaces, and may cut them off from vital opportunities for connection, support and information.
Instead, WRDA is calling for a comprehensive regulatory approach, including:
Stronger regulation of social media and technology companies
Targeted and proportionate use of age restrictions
Investment in digital education for children and parents
Greater support to help young people navigate online spaces safely
The organisation also emphasises that policy must be grounded in children’s rights, in line with international standards. WRDA supports calls from children’s rights experts for solutions that ensure young people can both access and safely participate in digital spaces, rather than being excluded from them.
WRDA is urging government to place young people and children’s rights specialists at the centre of policymaking, ensuring that future legislation is both effective and inclusive.
WRDA welcomes continued engagement with government on this issue and calls for urgent, meaningful action to address online harms.
-ENDS-
Elaine Crory – Women’s Sector Lobbyist
Elaine.crory@wrda.net
Meghan Hoyt – Women’s Sector Lobbyist Policy Assistant
Meghan.hoyt@wrda.net