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The NSPCC has called on the Government and Ofcom to take tougher action against social media platforms after Childline data showed that the five platforms most frequently mentioned by children in contacts with the service included TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Roblox and YouTube.
The top 10 social media platforms and apps were mentioned more than 5,500 times in Childline contacts during the year to March 2026. TikTok was mentioned most frequently, with 1,781 references, followed by Snapchat with 1,106, Instagram with 569, Roblox with 550 and YouTube with 530.
The NSPCC said the figures highlighted the need for stronger measures to protect children online, particularly as the Government prepares to introduce a social media ban for under-16s in spring 2027.
Mental health, online sexual abuse and exploitation, and wider digital behaviour were the three most common concerns raised by children in contacts mentioning TikTok. Around half of the children referring to TikTok were aged 15 or under.
The figures come after Ofcom launched an investigation into the quality of TikTok’s age checks. The NSPCC said robust age assurance would be an important part of implementing the planned restrictions, but argued that further measures would be needed because 16 and 17-year-olds would continue to have access to platforms such as TikTok.
The charity also warned that under-16s could move to other online spaces to communicate with peers following the introduction of the ban, including online gaming platforms, artificial intelligence services and messaging services. It called for these services to remove design features that can facilitate harm and undermine the wellbeing of young users.
The NSPCC’s call follows Childline contacts highlighting the range of risks children can face online. One 14-year-old who contacted the service described being blackmailed after sharing an image on TikTok, with the perpetrator threatening to send it to the child’s followers unless money was paid.
NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said the number of children discussing social media platforms with Childline demonstrated the need for technology companies to provide safer online experiences. He welcomed Ofcom’s investigation into TikTok’s age checks but called for stronger enforcement against platforms exposing children to harmful content.
The NSPCC also pointed to concerns about the effectiveness of age restrictions, arguing that weak age checks could be bypassed and leave children exposed to harm.
The charity is calling for Ofcom and the Government to take a tougher approach to ensuring social media companies protect children and young people online.
