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People 'will find a way' to harmful content - teens

Amanda Parr & Leigh Boobyer
BBC News, Bristol
Students from King's Oak Academy in Kingswood reflect on how social media impacts their lives

People will "no matter what, find a way" to access inappropriate and harmful content online even after a new crackdown comes into force, teenagers have said.

From 25 July, websites will have to change algorithms and introduce beefed-up age checks or face fines as part of the Online Safety Act.

The group of young students at King's Oak Academy, near Bristol, also told the BBC the content was "easy" to receive and "hard" to get rid of.

Media regulator Ofcom said the rules will prevent young people from encountering the most harmful content relating to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and pornography.

Ofcom's own research found 59% of 13 to 17-year olds surveyed had seen "potentially harmful content" online in the previous month.

The teenagers told the BBC they receive inappropriate content on group chats, which are ordinarily about making plans with each other.

A group of teenagers sitting on a bench outside in the school premises
The teenagers told the BBC what they are exposed to online and how it influences their real-life relationships

Ella, a student at the school, said: "You can put a lot of restrictions in place but no matter what, people are still going to be able to access these things, they'll find a way.

"It's a matter of responsibility," she added.

Some students said they wanted to see more parents educating them about online content, and highlighted this action is "50-50" with personal responsibility.

"When you're not told what to do, how are you supposed to be expected to know what to do? If you're a parent and you're going to let your children have a phone and be online, you need to take on that responsibility and educate them, and lay down the rules," Lillie said.

"It's your decision what person you're going to be. You've got to have the responsibility to step back and go 'do I want to be this person?

"Do I want to make other people feel that way":[]}