Children are increasingly consuming algorithm-driven content online, Ofcom said in its latest media report.
Ofcom has released new research showing that children in the UK are using digital devices and online services at an increasingly younger age.
According to Ofcom’s Children’s Online Experiences report, screen use starts in early childhood and smartphone ownership increases significantly during secondary school. The report found that teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 spend a significant amount of time online each week.
The report also noted a decline in the use of traditional media formats such as live television, radio and print among younger viewers. Live TV, radio and print media are increasingly missing from children’s daily lives, with social media, messaging platforms and games dominating digital engagement.
Ofcom also warned that despite the introduction of new online safety rules, exposure to harmful content remains a significant problem. Ofcom said many children reported being exposed to harmful online content, including content that surfaced through recommendation systems and personalized feeds.
The report also highlighted the increasing use of AI tools among children and teenagers. More than half of children aged eight to 17 in the UK say they use AI tools, and some teenagers are increasingly relying on AI systems for learning, creativity, communication and friendships. Researchers said some children find it difficult to distinguish between AI-generated content and human-created content.
The report suggested that passive content consumption is playing an increasingly important role in children’s online activities. Most young users primarily scroll, watch, follow, and like content rather than actively creating or sharing content themselves.
Gaming continues to be one of the most important online social environments for children, with many users regularly interacting with people they have only met online through multiplayer gaming communities and communication platforms.
Why is it important?
Ofcom’s findings highlight growing concerns around children’s digital wellbeing, exposure to algorithms, AI literacy and online safety regulation. Policymakers and regulators are increasingly facing pressure to address how recommendation systems, generative AI, and social platforms shape the behavior, attention, and trust of young audiences.
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