The UK's New Online Safety Social Media Rules: Have Autistic Children Been Forgotten?
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
The UK Government's proposed plans to prevent under-16s from having accounts on major social media platforms have been welcomed by many parents. The aim is simple: reduce children's exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, online predators and addictive algorithms.
As someone who has spent years working with autistic children, families and online safety, I completely understand why these proposals have been made.
But I also have one important question.
Have policymakers really considered what these online safety changes could mean for autistic children and teenagers?
The internet isn't just entertainment
For many young people, social media is largely about trends, influencers and keeping up with friends.
For many autistic children, it can be something very different.
It can be where they:
find people who share their special interests
communicate without the pressure of face-to-face conversation
build friendships they struggle to make offline
access autism communities where they finally feel understood
gain confidence by interacting at their own pace
For some autistic teenagers, these online communities are not a luxury—they are their primary source of social connection.
Removing access doesn't remove the need
If social media becomes unavailable before suitable alternatives exist, some autistic young people could become even more isolated.
Many already struggle with:
loneliness
bullying at school
difficulties making friends
anxiety in social situations
Removing one of the places where they successfully communicate may have unintended consequences.
Not every platform carries the same risk
There's an important difference between:
endless algorithm-driven scrolling
moderated support communities
hobby groups
autism support networks
communicating with trusted friends
Treating every platform as though it presents the same level of risk may oversimplify a much more complex issue.
Parents still need support
Even if the legislation becomes law, parents will still face the same questions:
How do I teach my autistic child about online safety?
How do I know when they're ready?
How do I help them recognise manipulation?
How do I encourage independence safely?
No law can replace education, communication and parental involvement.
Safety and inclusion should go together
I support making the internet safer for children.
But I also believe autistic children deserve policies that recognise how differently many of them use the online world.
Protecting children should never unintentionally increase social isolation for those who already face enough barriers.
The best online safety policies should balance protection with inclusion.
Because for many autistic young people, the internet isn't simply somewhere they spend time.
It's somewhere they belong.
Online Safety for Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum - A Parent's & Carer's Guide by Nicola Lonie
If this article has raised questions about how the proposed online safety changes could affect your autistic child, you'll find much more practical advice in my book, Online Safety for Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum (4th Edition). Fully revised and updated, it includes guidance on social media, gaming, cyberbullying, AI, digital wellbeing and the latest UK Online Safety Act developments, helping parents and carers support autistic young people with confidence in an ever-changing online world.
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