Social media is reshaping how children and young people consume news, presenting both opportunities and challenges. In our latest report, developed in partnership with Internet Matters, we explore how children navigate the online news landscape and the crucial role of media literacy in supporting their wellbeing.
The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 UK children aged 11-17 and focus groups with children aged 13-17.
Key findings include:
- 76% of young people consume news weekly, with most encountering it on social media
- 61% have seen upsetting or distressing news stories online in the past month
- 27% have believed fake or AI-generated stories, often leading to confusion
- Children in higher-income households are far more likely to be taught how to verify information
