The Online Safety Act and your teen

What UK parents might want to know

Quick summary

• New UK online safety rules come into effect on 25 July, aiming to make the internet safer for children and teens
• Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube will be expected to filter out harmful content and use stricter age checks
• You might notice small changes in your teen’s online experience — and it could be a chance to talk about what feels safe for them online

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Many teens spend hours online each day – whether they’re chatting with friends, exploring interests, or just switching off with a scroll. 

But alongside all the good stuff, there can also be content that feels overwhelming, unsafe, or just not age-appropriate.

That’s where the Online Safety Act comes in. 

From 25 July 2025, websites and apps in the UK will need to follow new rules to help protect children and teens from harmful content – including things like age checks, content filters, and clearer safety tools.

If your teen uses the internet, this new law might shape their experience. 

Here’s what’s changing, and how you might want to support them through it.

What is the Online Safety Act?

The Online Safety Act is a UK law designed to help make the internet safer for everyone – especially children and teens.

It puts new responsibilities on social media platforms, search engines, and websites to:

• Remove illegal content
• Prevent children from accessing adult or harmful material
• Offer easier ways for users to report content that doesn’t feel safe

Regulated by Ofcom, the Act is being rolled out in phases, and July marks one of the biggest ones for families to date.

What’s changing from 25 July 2025?

From 25 July, any websites and apps that fall under the law will need to have proper safety measures in place – particularly if they’re likely to be used by children or teens.

This includes:

• Stricter age checks on adult content websites
• Filtering out content related to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, dangerous stunts, or harmful substances
• Simpler tools for young users to report content that feels unsafe
• Faster removal of anything illegal or harmful

Platforms that don’t follow the rules could face large fines, so many are already adapting their systems to meet the requirements.

How might this affect your teen?

Their feed might feel a little different

Some types of content – especially things that promote unsafe behaviour or unrealistic standards – might be filtered out more often. 

That’s part of the law’s aim to reduce pressure and protect mental health.

If your teen mentions noticing changes in their feed, it could be a chance to talk about what kinds of content make them feel supported versus what might feel overwhelming.

They might run into more age checks

Websites that show adult content are now expected to use age verification. 

This might look like facial age estimation, uploading a photo ID, or confirming age via their phone network.

It’s possible your teen could feel frustrated or confused by these changes, especially if they’re trying to access content they don’t see as “a big deal.” 

Reassurance can go a long way in this case that in reality even though something may not feel like a big deal in the moment, it can have lasting impacts on our wellbeing.

They may have more tools to stay safe

Many platforms will now offer clearer, easier ways to report harm or control who can contact them. 

Whether they use these or not, it’s helpful to know they’re there.

How might the Online Safety Act changes affect how you parent?

This law isn’t about telling parents what to do, and no one knows your child better than you.

But it could create new opportunities for conversation, particularly while this may now trend on the news and social media so they will likely be aware of it.

You might notice things like:

• Your teen mentioning content they “used to see” but don’t anymore
• Frustration over certain sites being blocked or asking for ID
• Curiosity (or eye-rolls) about why all this is suddenly happening

It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers. 

Even just keeping the door open for a chat can make a difference. 

Some parents find it helpful to ask things like:

• “Have your apps changed much this week?”
• “Anything new popping up, or disappearing, from your feed lately?”
• “How are you feeling about the recent changes due to the Online Safety Act?”

Even a simple “Just checking in, everything good?” can let them know you’re there.

A few suggestions that might help

If you're wondering how to support your teen through this shift, here are a few low-pressure ideas:

• Ask what apps they’re using and what they think of the changes
• Let them know they can talk to you if anything feels weird or uncomfortable
• Explore digital wellbeing together – or suggest tools like the luna app if they'd rather do that privately

luna’s expert-backed guides help teens understand things like online safety, social pressure, and staying confident, all in a tone that feels friendly and relatable.

Rated 4.8

Support your teen through it all with luna

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