Take a look at how collaboration with industry and online safety experts helped us deliver on our vision to ‘…inspire leading organisations to create together a future where children and young people are prepared to benefit safely from the impact of connected technology.’
2024/25 Impact Report – Making the digital world safer
Because children deserve a safe digital world
In 2024/25, we continued our mission to make the digital world safer for every child. From launching our new website and leading national campaigns, to producing groundbreaking research on digital wellbeing, deepfakes and media literacy, this year’s impact shows what’s possible when families, industry and policymakers work together for change.
Andrew Puddephatt OBE
Chair, Internet Matters
Foreword from our Chair
I was delighted to join Internet Matters as incoming Chair in January 2025. With the forthcoming year being pivotal for the implementation of the Online Safety Act, the experiences of children and young people online are central to conversations amongst parents, in schools, with policymakers and in wider society. As parents and carers agonise about the right time to give their children access to the digital world and society debates banning their use of smartphones and social media, Internet Matters and its vision has never been more important.
Too many children have harmful experiences online, and along with many others, I wait and hope that the responsibilities outlined within the Online Safety Act will improve the safety of the youngest users of digital technology. Yet regulation is only part of the answer, and this must go hand in hand with developing and improving the media literacy skills of children, young people and those who support them.
At its heart, Internet Matters is about prevention, helping parents and carers by giving them the skills and advice they need to protect children in online spaces and championing their voices and concerns. Through our Digital Wellbeing Index research, we demonstrate the impact on children’s wellbeing from being online and
I read with interest in our latest report how, over the last year, this has simultaneously got better and worse.
While there are many positives for young people, at a time of continuing technological change, they are also being more negatively impacted by what they do and see online. Against this backdrop, I feel proud to take on this role in an organisation that is dedicated to ensuring that more action is taken to change this, and this report is a reflection of the invaluable work Internet Matters does.
I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my thanks to all the organisations that have supported the work of Internet Matters over the years, and I look forward to engaging with you all going forward.
Together for a better internet
From campaigns and partnerships to supporting professionals and vulnerable young people, we’re proud to have served the online safety and digital wellbeing needs of families across the UK and beyond.
Empowering parents to take action
Over 14 million people visited our website, with 92% of parents taking positive steps to support their children online. Our ABC Online Safety campaign and new website made it easier than ever for families to find trusted advice and act with confidence.
Shaping policy and championing children’s voices
Our evidence influenced government policy and debate around the Online Safety Act, media literacy and emerging online harms. With more than 30 parliamentary citations, we ensured families’ voices are represented at every level.
Collaborating for greater impact
Partnerships with organisations including BT, Sky, Virgin Media O2, Tesco Mobile, Samsung and TikTok extended our reach and resources, empowering millions of families, teachers and professionals to keep children safe online.
Advancing research and innovation
Our award-winning studies, including the Children’s Wellbeing in a Digital World Index, deepened understanding of how children live and learn online. Insights on deepfakes, image-sharing and digital wellbeing continue to shape industry and policy responses.
Supporting the most vulnerable children online
We created new guidance for neurodivergent children and their families, highlighting how offline vulnerabilities can increase online risks, and ensuring every child can thrive in a connected world.
Innovating for the future of online safety
The launch of our new website and our focus on AI-driven risks mean families can stay ahead of the curve. We’re building the tools and insights to help parents navigate the next generation of digital challenges.
Looking ahead
As technology evolves, so will we, staying committed to empowering parents, protecting children and creating a safer digital future for every family.
Our impact in numbers
This year’s impact report highlights our efforts to support diverse families in helping their children safely benefit from connected technology.
14 million visitors to our website, including 3 million in the UK
92% of parents took positive action after visiting internetmatters.org
98% said our advice is high quality and trustworthy
96% said it gave them confidence to find support
30 parliamentary research citations and 2,500 media mentions
18 partners supporting our mission to keep children safe online