The technology secretary has apologized to a generation of children who were failed by governments unable to protect them from harmful online material.
Peter Kyle stated that the delay in implementing laws to safeguard children online had “left an entire generation vulnerable” and that policymakers must act faster in response to technological advancements.
Kyle made these comments in an interview with a parenting website to mark the introduction of new online safety measures, which increase the responsibility of internet companies to shield young users from harm. He called it “the most significant improvement in young people’s online experience since the internet began.”
He added, “I apologize to every child over 13 who lacked these protections, and to parents who struggled—and often failed—to keep their children safe because the system failed them.”
Kyle emphasized that future safety measures required by technological progress must not take years to enact. He noted that a full generation had been exposed to “dangerous material” due to political inaction.
Pressure is mounting on Kyle to take stronger steps in regulating children’s social media use, with officials considering limits on screen time to combat addictive behavior. A prominent online safety advocate urged Kyle to expand existing legislation to address misinformation and addictive platform designs.
Kyle stated that he is exploring quick solutions and called for a broader discussion on defining a “healthy digital childhood.” He said, “Parents set boundaries offline—curfews, diets, exercise. We haven’t had that same conversation about what health looks like online.”
The parenting website’s CEO said the new measures would help prevent children from encountering harmful content, but warned it should be “just the start.” She noted that teenagers spend 35 hours weekly on smartphones, harming their mental well-being. She added, “Major platforms still expose children to risks through addictive features. The government must act more urgently to protect them.”
The new rules mandate the removal of illegal content, such as suicide forums, and require age verification to restrict underage access. One platform recently announced it would implement age checks to prevent minors from viewing adult material.
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