Can we rely on self-reported data from children about what they do and see online? Is it worth the time and energy to involve children in the research process through co-creation? How do we effectively use what we have learnt from our research with children to inform policy? At Ofcom, we’ve been seeking to answer these questions as we implement the UK’s new Online Safety Act. In this 90-minute workshop we will explore the pros and cons of different research approaches for understanding children's online experiences, through break-out group discussions and exercises. We’ll discuss approaches including self-report, passive monitoring and avatar research. We will then discuss how to apply these learnings to the policy space.

We welcome attendees with an interest in protecting children online, from any organisation, and particularly those with a research background. Ahead of the workshop, organisers will provide participants with a short pre-reading on research methods.