A Somerset teenager has become one of the founding members of the NSPCC's Voice of Online Youth.

The charity has established the new group of 15 young people, aged 13 to 16, to give advice to the NSPCC, politicians, regulators, parents and professionals about the best way to protect children online.

The Voice of Online Youth aim to get young people's voices heard and ensure decisions about online safety are informed by their unique experiences.

They plan to do this by keeping in touch with decision makers across the UK, attending events, and partaking in workshops.

James, 13, from north Somerset shared his motivation for joining, saying: "I applied for the role in the Online Safety Youth Taskforce because I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity and I’d love to help make the online world safer for all young people."

The group is backed by Vodafone and consists of 10 individuals from England, two from Scotland, two from Northern Ireland, and one from Wales.

This mix leads to a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

June 28 marked the group's official launch coinciding with Ofcom's consultation on its initial plans to regulate social media under the Online Safety Act.

Previously, young voices played a critical role in the NSPCC’s Wild West Web campaign, which advocated for the Online Safety Act.

(Image: Pixabay)

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: "The Voice of Online Youth will offer valuable insight and a unique perspective to the NSPCC, bolstering our efforts to ensure children's online safety is prioritised.

"They can also help shape policymakers' and regulators' thinking by sharing their own experiences of the online world."

Implementing new online safety regulation requires Ofcom to engage with young people to make sure the outcome is safer for children and their enjoyment of the online world.

The NSPCC is committed to ensure that children and young people’s voices are consistently recognised in the development and enforcement of online safety regulation.

Vodafone, which has been a partner with the NSPCC since 2023, will support the young voices.

Nicki Lyons, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at Vodafone UK, said: "Ensuring young people are safe online is a critical issue.

"The Voice of Online Youth will give young people a voice.

"They can help inform policymakers of the issues facing them and support the development of much-needed tools and regulation.

"We’re proud and excited to be supporting the Voice of Online Youth, building on a partnership with the NSPCC that centres on ensuring all our children can navigate the digital world safely and confidently.”

The Voice of Online Youth consists of:

  • James, 16, from Armagh
  • Zara, 14, from Birmingham
  • Maelon, 13, from Bridgend
  • Elodie, 13, from County Down
  • Tiffany, 16, from Devon
  • Finn, 13, from East Dunbartonshire
  • Liidia, 13, from Glasgow
  • Rayhaan, 16, from Leicestershire
  • Leo, 14, from London
  • Shalom, 14, from Manchester
  • Mika, 14, from the Midlands
  • James J, 13, from North Somerset
  • Will, 13, from Nottinghamshire
  • Emily, 13, from the West Midlands
  • Malia, 14, from the West Midlands