We’ve all been there: you pick up your phone to check the time, and suddenly it’s forty-five minutes later, and you’re deep-diving into “how to build a shed” videos even though you don’t own a hammer.
In this digital age, we don’t just use technology; we live in it. Social media is a massive part of our daily landscape, and while I firmly believe it can be a force for good—to educate, entertain, and connect us—it’s high time we took the driver’s seat.
We have a responsibility to be in control of algorithms. Not the other way around.
The Reality of the Digital Space
Make no mistake, social media should come with a disclaimer. While broadband providers and tech companies are finally beginning to implement better age recommendations and safeguarding tools—prompted by a recent BBC report warning firms to “overhaul algorithms and age checks or face fines”—there is still a massive gap between “safety settings” and “real-world awareness.”
As someone who operates in the online space constantly, I feel a personal responsibility to ensure we use digital media in a way that is less harmful and alarming. This is exactly why I am so passionate about my new role supporting The Breck Foundation.
Why The Breck Foundation Matters
Founded in 2014, the Breck Foundation was born out of the tragic loss of 14-year-old Breck Bednar, who was groomed and murdered by an online predator. It is a heartbreaking story, but one that has fueled an award-winning mission to protect other young people from a similar fate.
The foundation offers age-appropriate talks from Year 1 all the way to Year 13, as well as sessions for parents and staff. We aren’t just “talking about the internet”; we are filling a critical gap in the UK curriculum that currently leaves children vulnerable to:
Online grooming
Exploitation
Digital abuse
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
The statistics are a wake-up call. Research from the NSPCC in Devon found that while most young people understand the concept of consent, they are significantly less equipped to spot the actual warning signs:
64% of young people didn’t know how to spot the signs of grooming.
67% didn’t know how to spot the signs of an abusive relationship.
By sharing Breck’s story, we can turn these statistics around. We aren’t just teaching “safety”; we are empowering digital wellbeing.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
The feedback from those who have already engaged with the Breck Foundation is overwhelming.
“We have a responsibility to ourselves to be in control of algorithms. Not the other way round. I feel that when social media is used responsibly and mindfully, it can be a force for good to educate, entertain and connect us. However, it should come with its disclaimers for safe use especially with young people. Nowadays this is even recognised by companies and broadband providers including age recommendations plus tools and settings for safeguarding. This is why I’m passionate to support The Breck Foundation. An organisation that helps children and young people reclaim the internet – focused on online grooming, online safety. As someone who operates in the online space a lot, I feel I have a part to play to ensure we use digital and social media in a way that is less harmful and alarming. – Louise Chandler, Founder, Soundbite Media
“The issues of algorithms, age checks, and online grooming are all deeply interconnected. The work is vital to ensuring social media is a less harmful space, and we are immensely grateful for people like you who help us continue our mission to empower young people to reclaim the internet and use it safely. We applaud your efforts!” — The Breck Foundation
Let’s Work Together
I am looking to connect with workplaces, schools, organisations, and businesses that want to positively influence the young people in their communities. Email me: Louise@Soundbitemedia.co.uk
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