Loughborough University
Loughborough University
03/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/26/2026 11:45
“Online platforms need to show that they are prioritising children’s safety over their profits” says online safety expert, following landmark social media ruling.
Following the news that some of the world's largest social media platforms have failed to protect child users, we spoke to online safety expert Dr Asma Adnane about the UK government's role in improving children's online safety.
In the following expert comment videos, she also discusses the need for early education, the inclusion of gaming apps in consultations, and her advice for parents, informed by both her expertise and her experience as a mother to a nine-year-old.
"Why wait until they are ten years old to talk to them about online safety? Discussions should begin as young as two."
Discussing the importance of education to keeping children safe online, here, Asma emphasises the importance of online safety being part of the education system as early as possible. Children as young as two are being exposed to content online, so to build a trusted, safe environment for kids online, the discussions need to start early.
"Social media apps are not the only apps that pose risks to younger kids. Other platforms such as gaming and messaging apps should all be considered in any online safety standard and regulation."
Here, Asma explores an often overlooked aspect of online safety - online gaming. Although gaming is subject to stricter restrictions, it has evolved, and features such as online chat can expose children to risks. She emphasises the value of educating yourself, talking openly with your children about online safety, and involving other parents.
ENDS
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Loughborough is one of the country's leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2026 QS World University Rankings - the tenth year running.
Loughborough has been ranked seventh in the Complete University Guide 2026 - out of 130 institutions. This milestone marks a decade in the top ten for Loughborough - a feat shared only by the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, St Andrews, Durham and Imperial.
Loughborough was also named University of the Year for Sport in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 - the fourth time it has been awarded the prestigious title.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally-excellent'. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded eight Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education.
The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.
Loughborough University published this content on March 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 26, 2026 at 17:45 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]