Colman Noctor: We need to reboot our approach to internet safety

Many programmes focus on teaching young people how to use technology safely, but they should also demonstrate how technology uses them.

"My concerns about young people’s mental wellbeing in the technological era are not so much about what they are doing online but more about what they are ‘not doing’ when they spend so much time online."

Online safety fatigue is on the rise. Many young people I talk to dismiss warnings, saying “that won’t happen to me”. Appealing to young people’s rebellious nature and informing them about ‘surveillance capitalism’ could be a good place to start.

Our children are growing up in a hyperconnected world where every online move is tracked, analysed, and monetised. Social media platforms, search engines, and even gaming apps operate within a vast system known as surveillance capitalism. This business model thrives on the collection and sale of user data. Yet, many young users remain unaware of how their personal information is used to manipulate their behaviour and shape their digital experiences. Educating the next generation about these issues is crucial to fostering digital literacy and ensuring they have control over their online lives.