The Impact of Internet Restrictions on Children’s Online Safety
The way young people experience the internet is changing
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As several countries implemented new restrictions on internet access in 2025 to safeguard children from harmful content, questions arise about the effectiveness of such measures. The UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA) came into effect, mandating websites to block children from viewing pornography, self-harm encouragement, violent content, and dangerous stunts. However, criticisms have emerged regarding the broad scope of “harmful content” covered, leading to the closure of several small websites unable to comply with the regulatory burden.
Australia recently enforced a ban on social media for individuals under 16, even with parental consent. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 empowered regulators to penalize companies up to AUS$50 million for allowing children to access their platforms. The European Union is also contemplating a similar ban, while France implemented age-verification laws for pornographic websites, sparking protests from adult site operators.
Notably, UK regulator Ofcom fined AVS Group £1 million for inadequate measures to prevent children’s access to 18 porn websites, signaling the enforcement of such regulations. However, technological loopholes pose challenges, as facial-recognition systems can be deceived with video game character screenshots, and VPNs enable users to bypass age checks. Consequently, web searches for VPNs surged post-OSA implementation, casting doubt on the effectiveness of age verification measures.
The Children’s Commissioner for England advocates for age verification to counter VPN usage among children. Yet, experts like Andrew Kaung, with experience at Meta and TikTok, express skepticism about tech firms’ commitment to child protection, citing profit motives conflicting with public interests. Graham Murdock from Loughborough University suggests state-run internet services akin to public utilities to ensure online safety effectively.
“The internet is a public service offering valuable capacities in everyday life, necessitating a public utility approach,” Murdock emphasizes. Urgent actions are crucial to address online safety concerns and prevent irreparable consequences in the digital realm.
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The rise of sustainable fashion: How the fashion industry is going green
In recent years, the fashion industry has been undergoing a major transformation towards sustainability. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing choices, many fashion brands are now incorporating eco-friendly practices into their production processes.
One of the key drivers of this shift towards sustainability is the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of fast fashion on the environment. Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of cheap, disposable clothing that is often made from non-biodegradable materials and produced in sweatshop-like conditions. This has led to a huge amount of waste and pollution, with the fashion industry being one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions.
To combat this issue, many fashion brands are now focusing on creating clothing that is made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and recycled fabrics. These materials are not only better for the environment, but they also tend to be of higher quality and last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
In addition to using sustainable materials, many fashion brands are also adopting more ethical production practices. This includes ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers, as well as reducing water and energy consumption in the production process. Some brands have even gone a step further by implementing zero-waste manufacturing techniques, where every scrap of fabric is used to create new products.
Another aspect of sustainable fashion is the concept of circular fashion, which focuses on creating a closed-loop system where clothing is designed to be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life cycle. This not only reduces waste but also encourages consumers to buy less and invest in higher-quality, longer-lasting pieces.
The rise of sustainable fashion has also been driven by consumer demand. As more people become aware of the environmental impact of their clothing choices, they are seeking out brands that align with their values. This has led to a surge in the popularity of sustainable fashion brands, as well as an increase in demand for second-hand and vintage clothing.
Overall, the fashion industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainability, with more and more brands embracing eco-friendly practices. While there is still a long way to go, the rise of sustainable fashion is a positive step towards creating a more environmentally conscious and ethical industry. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability, consumers can play a key role in driving this change and making a positive impact on the planet.
