One in five parents say their child has seen fake news online, new research warns
New research reveals the scale of misleading and harmful content children are exposed to online
New research has revealed just how much misleading and harmful content is reaching children online, with many parents admitting their child has already been exposed to fake news, unhealthy body image pressures and cyberbullying.
The findings come as families settle back into routine after Christmas, with many children spending more time on new phones, tablets and laptops they received as gifts. While technology can be a brilliant tool for learning and connection, safeguarding experts say the risks increase as screen time rises, especially in digital spaces not designed with children’s wellbeing in mind.
According to a survey of 2,000 UK parents, carried out by Virtual College, exposure to problematic online content is now a regular experience for many families.
The research highlights several worrying trends in the content children are coming across online.
These figures suggest that misleading information and harmful messaging are far from rare. They also sit alongside wider research showing that many parents feel unsure about what their children are actually consuming online.
A separate Ipsos study found that one in seven parents are not confident they know what their children are watching, reading or hearing when they use the internet, highlighting ongoing gaps in digital awareness and confidence.
Mary-Ann Round, Safeguarding Expert at Virtual College, says the findings reflect what professionals working with children are seeing every day.
She explains that children are exposed to a huge volume of content across multiple platforms, much of which is not created with their wellbeing in mind. Fast-moving apps, private messaging and algorithm-driven feeds can make it difficult for parents to spot issues before they cause harm.
Children are seeing a huge volume of online content every day, and much of it isn't designed with their wellbeing in mind. False news, online abuse and unrealistic expectations are becoming part of everyday online life for many young people.
Mary-Ann also warns that what parents are aware of is likely only part of the picture, as much unhealthy exposure can happen out of sight.
While the scale of online content can feel overwhelming, experts stress that small, realistic steps can make a meaningful difference.
Open conversations help children feel more comfortable speaking up when something feels wrong. Asking what they enjoy watching, who they follow and how content makes them feel can build trust and encourage critical thinking.
Privacy controls, age-appropriate filters and screen time limits are not a complete solution, but they do provide a helpful safety net. These tools are particularly important when children are using new devices or platforms for the first time.
Misinformation, influencer marketing and disguised advertising can be difficult even for adults to spot. Encouraging children to pause, question where information comes from and talk through confusing or upsetting content helps them develop confidence and resilience online.
The findings come shortly after the government announced a £20 million package to introduce misogyny training in schools. While many have welcomed the move, safeguarding experts warn that schools cannot be expected to address issues shaped and reinforced online by themselves.
Mary-Ann says online misinformation, influencer culture and misogynistic content are increasingly intertwined, with a lasting impact on children’s attitudes, relationships and sense of identity.
She adds that education remains one of the most powerful tools for change, but it must be supported by families, policy makers and technology companies working together. Alongside tackling misogyny, experts argue there needs to be a stronger focus on online media literacy and unhealthy comparisons within existing mental health education.
As children continue to spend more time online, the research serves as a timely reminder that staying curious, informed and connected to our children’s digital lives is just as important as setting rules around screen time.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.