Policy Brief: Young People and Digital Intimacies What is the evidence and what does it mean? Where next?

Description of impact

This briefing, which questioned the purpose and effect of legislation and censorship proposed in the Online Harms white paper. My input nuanced a polarised argument, emphasising that the plans marginalise diversity of sexuality and sexual expression, and describing the consequences of proposed legislation, including that it will block websites providing sexual abuse support and sexual education. As a result, I was asked by policymakers to advise them on the implications of the proposals. Since 2019 I have advised Norman Lamb MP, Vicky Ford MP, policy leaders at the NSPCC, Internet Matters and Sexplain, and regional sexual health and sexual education policymakers and practitioners; I was invited as contributor to Home Office research on changes in young people’s sexual behaviour particularly in relation to their engagements with digital technologies and platforms.

Category of impact	Public discourseand understanding, Health and welfare