Protecting Children’s Mental Health Online

23 Mar 2026 / Online lives and digital well-being

On 2 March 2026, the Mental Health Foundation and Liz Twist MP brought together young activists, civil society leaders, clinicians, and policymakers for a vital conversation in Parliament about the pressing issue of how to keep children safe in the online world.

Children and Young People Consultation

In 2019 we commissioned the report 'State of a generation: Preventing mental health problems in children and young people'. The issues outlined in this report, for example poverty, body image, sleep, technology, academic pressure, and issues related to identity, are explored in further detail throughout this response.

Feeling Our Way - evaluation

An evaluation of the Feeling Our Way project, to identify whether the programme led to improved outcomes in the young people’s feelings of isolation and social connection, awareness of adaptive coping strategies during the pandemic, and awareness of what mental health support is available.

Our bold new recommendations for the proposed under-16s social media ban

Following a review of evidence and discussions with young people, experts, and bereaved parents to understand what a responsible, proportionate response should be to the proposed under-16s social media ban, we have set out our bold new recommendations restricting social media companies’ access to children, alongside increasing support for children’s wellbeing.

Small Talk, Big Change podcast

The Small Talk, Big Change podcast explores critical issues impacting the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and families.

Becoming a Man (BAM)

The Becoming a Man (BAM) programme is a mental well-being intervention adapted from the US that aims to support young men’s personal development by taking into account their lived experience and the often difficult environments they must navigate.

The mental health of young women and girls policy briefing

This paper shares evidence of a rise in reported mental health problems amongst young women and girls, and makes a series of recommendations for government.

Cardiff City FC’s Foundation (CCFCF) programme

The CCFCF programme works with young people to offer opportunities in sport, education and skill based learning - helping young people access positive activities of interest to them, while attempting to influence positive behaviour change.

Peer Education Project (PEP) - Wales

The Peer Education Project is a school-based programme that aims to give young people the skills and knowledge they need to safeguard their mental health and that of their peers.

UOK?

UOK? is our innovative programme working with colleges and universities across England to empower students to take their well-being into their own hands.