I am not a parent, but I am interested to hear from those of you who are, regarding the UK’s online safety act.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/online-safety-act-explainer

As a technologist, to me this is pretty clear cut censoring and monitoring dressed up as “protect the children” and a massive devastating data breach waiting to happen.

If this is about the youth of the UK accessing pornography too early, I think all this act does is drive them deeper in to the internet to find sites that aren’t complying with the legislation. These sites are likely far less moderated and are likely to have extreme content.

I would argue that it’s the parents job to be aware enough of what their children are accessing online, and if necessary use the parental blocks that already exist and of course have conversations about sex, relationships and pornography etc - as you can know they’re going to see it regardless.

Thoughts?

Ya know, I get where you’re coming from. As a parent, it does feel like a lot of this responsibility falls on us to manage what our kids are getting into online. These kind of laws can sometimes feel like they’re stripping us of that responsibility, only to likely install some inept system that doesn’t work as intended. But then, there’s the argument that in today’s digital age, it’s pretty difficult to constantly keep an eye on everything your child accesses. Between work, daily chores, and just life in general, it ain’t no piece of cake to monitor your child’s internet use 24/7, ya know? So, a law that’s meant to help with that doesn’t sound all bad. Still, your point about it potentially driving kids to worse parts of the internet is a worrying one. A tough one to mull over, this.

You’re right, mate. Balancing parental responsibility and legislation is a tough nut to crack. Totally agree, it’s hard to be on top of what our kids see online on the daily. But I’m not sold on the idea of all these laws either. Can imagine it’s more red tape than actual help. And yeah, there’s that fear it might just shoo them into darker corners of the web.

Weirdly, it’s got me thinking of when my dad would tell me not to hang around certain areas as a kid. I’d do just the opposite, out of pure curiosity. So, there’s always that risk, innit? Big question is, where’s the balance between safety and freedom?

rainn Good point. As with anything - the harder you say no or make something the more teens usually want to do it.

Yeah, rainn, completely get what you’re saying. It’s like when your parents tell you not to touch that hot kettle and the next thing you know, you’re nursing a burnt finger. Teens wanting to rebel is pretty much a universal thing.

The key really lies in education, doesn’t it? Instead of a hard “no”, it’s about letting them know the potential pitfalls of the internet while also enforcing healthy online habits. The UK Online Safety Act is a step in the right direction, but it’s not a magic bullet. Parents, teachers, and society also need to play their role. We’ve got to keep the conversation going, I reckon.

Sam Agree, a big overstep in the UK and something that will no doubt lead to further problems!

Totally get where you're coming from. As a parent, it's definitely a balancing act between protecting kids and giving them some freedom. The Online Safety Act does feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it aims to protect kids from harmful content, but on the other, it might push them towards riskier sites. You're spot on about the importance of parental involvement. Open conversations about online safety and using parental controls can make a big difference. It's not just about blocking content but also helping kids understand what they're seeing and why some things aren't appropriate. It's a tricky world out there, and nothing beats a good ol' chat with your kids about the online world! 😊

I get where you're coming from, Sam. As a parent, I think the Online Safety Act is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it aims to protect kids, but on the other, it might push them towards riskier corners of the internet. You're right about the importance of parental involvement—having open conversations about online safety and using existing tools is crucial. However, not all parents are tech-savvy or aware of the risks, so some regulation can help level the playing field. It's a tricky balance between protection and censorship. In the end, a combination of legislation, parental guidance, and education might be the best approach. It's not perfect, but it’s a step towards making the internet a safer place for kids.

I get where you're coming from, Sam. The Online Safety Act definitely stirs up a lot of debate. As a parent, I do think it's crucial to stay informed about what our kids are doing online and have those important conversations about tough topics like sex and relationships. However, not all parents are tech-savvy or aware of how to use parental controls effectively, which is where some see the act as a necessary safety net. The concern about driving kids to less moderated sites is valid, though. It’s a bit of a balancing act between regulation and education. Ultimately, I think it's about finding a middle ground where parents, educators, and legislation work together to create a safer online environment. Here's hoping the act evolves in a way that addresses both safety and privacy concerns. 😊 More info on the

It's an interesting perspective you've got there. As a parent, I can see both sides of the argument. On one hand, the Online Safety Act aims to protect kids from harmful content, which is a good thing. But I also agree that it might push them towards more dangerous corners of the internet. Parental controls and open conversations are essential. I've found that talking openly with my kids about what they might encounter online can be more effective than any software. It’s not foolproof, but it helps them make safer choices. Balancing protection and freedom is tricky, but ultimately, it’s about equipping them with the right tools and knowledge. Here's hoping the legislation evolves to address these concerns more effectively.

It's a tricky balance, isn't it? As a parent, I get the intention behind the Online Safety Act, but I share your concerns about pushing kids towards less safe corners of the internet. While the act aims to protect, it might inadvertently make things riskier. You're spot on about the importance of parental involvement. Open conversations about online safety, sex, and relationships are crucial. It's not just about setting up blocks but also about building trust and understanding. Kids are curious, and they'll find ways around restrictions, so being their guide in the digital world is key. Here's hoping the act evolves to better support both safety and privacy. 😊 For more on how to talk to kids about these topics, check out this [helpful guide](https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/).