Ms Tanya Ward:

On the question on signposting and warnings, we believe that children and young people should not be able to access certain types of harmful contact online. This includes information about suicide, images of child abuse, violence and harmful pornography. We should see platforms employing techniques, algorithms and artificial intelligence to prevent children from having access to that content. We should make them accountable for allowing children and young people to access that content. If one goes outside the front door, someone there is responsible. Children should have the same experience but some things should be off-limits to them.

We talk about special platforms for children and young people. When those things are created, it is a new product for children and young people. If there is a chance to meet with these companies, one should raise the profiling and targeting that they are engaging in with children and young people when it comes to advertising. Children and young people are impressionable and it is having a significant effect on many situations, especially with regard to alcohol and junk food. Cosmetic treatments are another issue we hear about from members as well. Many young girls are blasted with advertisements and it distorts their self-image.