Greater male involvement is being urged in a public consultation on online safety as statistics reveal that fathers in the UK represent less than a quarter of parent responses. This is concerning as boys and young men face various online risks, including body shaming, misogynistic behavior, and addictive tendencies.
The government’s 12-week consultation on online safety measures to safeguard children and young individuals online is set to conclude on May 26. However, the number of responses from fathers currently stands at less than 6,500 out of the total 28,000 parent responses received.
The consultation seeks feedback from adults and young people on proposed measures such as enforcing a social media restriction for those under 16, setting screen-time limits, and banning mobile phones in schools.
Labour’s Kanishka Narayan MP, the Online Safety Minister, has emphasized the importance of dads’ participation in the consultation, highlighting that their input is crucial in ensuring their children’s online safety. Despite more mothers sharing their views, it is essential for fathers to also contribute.
Lee Chambers, CEO of Male Allies UK, a group advocating for male involvement in gender equality efforts, pointed out that factors like fear of judgment, concerns about addressing the issue correctly, and the perception that online harm does not directly impact men could be hindering male participation.
Chambers stressed that online misogyny, gambling-related issues, and the pressure on physical appearance affect men and boys as well. Encouraging them to engage in the consultation is essential to address these issues effectively.
Regional participation in the consultation varies, with lower response rates from the Midlands, northern England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Mr. Narayan emphasized the need for diverse representation across the UK to ensure that all voices are heard.
To participate in the consultation, individuals can search for “Growing up in an online world” on the government’s website. For additional support on online safety issues, resources are available through NSPCC and InternetMatters.org.