What the PM’s Online Safety Statement Means for Child Protection
The Prime Minister has stated that “no platform gets a free pass” as the Government steps up action to protect children online. The announcement, published via the gov.uk, reinforces expectations on tech platforms to prevent harm, remove illegal content and strengthen safeguards for young users.
The message is clear: child safety online is no longer optional - it is enforceable.
Why It Matters
The Community Context
Children and young people are spending more time online than ever before. While digital platforms offer connection and opportunity, recent years have shown the very real risks of:
Online grooming and exploitation
Cyberbullying and harassment
Exposure to harmful or violent content
Self-harm and suicide-related material
Algorithm-driven amplification of extreme content
Parents, schools and communities are asking for clearer accountability, and stronger safeguards that work in practice, not just on paper.
Digital harm does not stay online - it impacts mental health, school safety, family wellbeing and community resilience.
imabi’s View
We welcome the Government’s position but accountability must be practical.
To keep children safe, platforms, schools, employers and community partners need:
Clear reporting pathways
Real-time safeguarding insight
Trusted communication channels
Early intervention mechanisms
Education alongside enforcement
Through imabi Inspire, Travel Guardian, and imabi Connect, we support:
🔵 Schools and education settings to strengthen safeguarding reporting and visibility
🟠 Communities to provide safe reporting routes for online and offline harm
🟣 Local authorities and partners to share targeted safety alerts and campaigns
🔵 Young people to access trusted support without stigma
The Online Safety Act sets expectations but real-world protection happens when reporting is simple, support is visible, and insight is shared responsibly.
Source: gov.uk, February, 2026