Online Safety

Internet Matters has published a briefing on the differences between girls’ and boys’ online experiences. The report draws on data from Internet Matters’ annual UK survey of 1,000 9-to-16-year-olds and their parents. Key findings include: boys’ and girls’ online activity is becoming more similar, as they spend the same amount of time on activities including chatting to friends and browsing social media; both genders are broadly positive about their time online; 69% of girls and 66% of boys report having at least one negative online experience; girls are more likely to be contacted by strangers and to receive abusive and upsetting messages from people they know; and while girls are more likely to speak to someone when they experience harm online, boys are more likely to take steps on the platform on which harm is encountered. Recommendations to government include: mandate robust age assurance; and support schools and teachers in delivering media and digital literacy. 

Read the report: The gender gap: understanding and responding to girls' and boys' online experiences

See also on NSPCC Learning: Online safety: expert insight videos