Young people struggle with online 'consent confusion' as research highlights

Young people are increasingly dependent on being online but many struggle to follow rules around consent when posting to social media, new research suggests.

To mark Safer Internet Day, the UK Safer Internet Centre has published new research which it says shows confusion and conflict among under-18s when it comes to expected behaviour online.

Events are taking place across the North East to mark Safer Internet Day with the hope of clearing up confusion amongst young people.

The figures suggest that while more than half of young people (51%) believe friends should ask permission before sharing a photo or video of them, 52% said someone they know had shared a post of them without asking.

Almost one in four (39%) said this left them really anxious or feeling not in control.

The research comes as questions are raised about the impact of social media and the internet on the mental health and wellbeing of younger users.

Will Gardner, director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said the conflict between the attitudes and actions of those aged 17 and under was striking.

The research, published by the UK Safer Internet Centre, comprised of Childnet, the Internet Watch Foundation and South West Grid for Learning - coincides with Safer Internet Day, which promotes the safe and positive use of digital technology.

However, it comes amid growing calls for legislation to be introduced to more stringently police technology and internet companies and the content they allow on their platforms.