In October 2023, Ofcom's powers as online safety regulator officially commenced, and part of our preparation has included carrying out research into people's online experiences.
As part of this, Ofcom has been conducting research to understand children’s experiences of communications online, including any uncomfortable or unwanted contact and receiving sexualised messages.
The quantitative research conducted in December 2022, sought to understand how children communicate online, and the scale and nature of their experience of any potentially uncomfortable or unwanted contact online. The associated qualitative research (conducted in February and March 2023) sought specifically to understand how children communicate online while gaming, and when using apps designed to connect them to new people.
Our most recent qualitative work (fieldwork running between June 2023 and March 2024) explored children’s experiences of receiving and replying to sexualised messages online from adults (or perceived adults). The research sought a variety of perspectives i.e. children themselves, young adults reflecting on their experiences as a child and professionals currently supporting children.
Research documents
Understanding online communications among children – Quantitative research (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Understanding online communications among children – Qualitative findings (PDF, 818.3 KB)
Children’s experiences of sexualised messages online – Qualitative findings (PDF, 563 KB)
Ancillary research documents
Quantitative questions - understanding online communications among children (PDF, 876.4 KB)
Quantitative data tables - understanding online communications among children (XLSX, 4.5 MB)
Qualitative discussion guide – understanding online communications among children (PDF, 523.1 KB)
Technical report - understanding online communications among children (PDF, 238.7 KB)