The Future of Child Online Safety: Insights from Ofcom & LGfL

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Mubina Asaria from LGfL and Almudena Lara from Ofcom about the future of child online safety, regulation, and digital responsibility. The discussion explores the impact of the Online Safety Act, the role of regulators, and how schools and parents can work together to create safer online environments for children in an AI-driven world.

Key Themes in This Episode

• Online Safety Act and regulation
• Child protection in digital spaces
• AI risks for young people
• Parent and school partnerships
• Media literacy and safeguarding
• Algorithm risks and harmful content
• Responsibility of technology companies
• Safe design in digital platforms

Why Listen to This Episode?

This episode explains why online safety is now one of the most important issues in education and technology. It gives clear insight into new laws, the role of regulators, and how schools and parents can work together to protect children. You will learn how AI, social media, and algorithms are changing risk, and why strong communication and better design are needed to keep young people safe online.

Who This Episode Is For?

This episode is for school leaders, safeguarding teams, policymakers, parents, and EdTech professionals. It is especially useful for anyone working with children online, managing digital strategy, or developing education technology. The discussion is relevant for those interested in AI safety, online regulation, media literacy, and protecting young people in digital environments.

Full Episode Description

Online safety for children is becoming more complex as technology develops faster than policy. In this episode, experts discuss how education, regulation, and families must work together to create safer digital environments.

The conversation explores the background to the Online Safety Act and why stronger regulation became necessary. Several tragic cases showed that children were being exposed to harmful online content, leading to calls for governments and regulators to act. Organisations such as Ofcom now have the responsibility to ensure that technology companies design services with safety in mind, especially for young users.

A key theme in the discussion is shared responsibility. Online safety cannot sit only with schools or parents. Platforms, regulators, educators, and families must all play a role. Experts explain that children’s online experiences are often very different from those of adults. Algorithms may recommend harmful content, and AI tools can generate material that is not suitable for young users. Because of this, companies must carry out proper risk assessments and design safer systems from the start.

The episode also looks at the role of schools. Safeguarding is no longer just about filtering websites. Schools must build a culture of safe technology use through policy, teaching, and communication with families. Parent engagement is especially important, but many schools find it difficult to get parents involved. Creative approaches, such as short sessions during school events or online resources, can help families stay informed.

Artificial intelligence is another growing concern. AI chatbots, generated images, and personalised algorithms can expose children to harmful advice, fake content, or emotional dependence on technology. Experts explain that awareness, education, and clear guidance are needed so that both children and adults understand the risks.

The episode finishes with a clear message: a safer digital future will come from better regulation, stronger partnerships, and ongoing conversation between schools, parents, and technology companies.