What did Childnet allegedly edit from teen speakers' presentations?

Childnet allegedly edited out warnings from teen speakers regarding social media addiction, its "imminent threat to our future," and the negative impacts of obsessive scrolling and platforms like TikTok and Snap.

Who is Childnet and why are they accused of censorship?

Childnet is a UK charity focused on internet safety, partially funded by tech companies. They are accused of censoring teen speakers by editing out critical statements about social media's negative effects on young people.

How did the teen speakers react to the edits?

The teen speakers, Lewis Swire and Saamya Ghai, reported feeling censored, betrayed, and that the charity watered down their important messages about the dangers of social media.

Home / Technology / Teens Censored: Internet Safety Charity Cuts Warnings

Teens Censored: Internet Safety Charity Cuts Warnings

8 Feb

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Summary

Charity part-funded by tech giants edited teen warnings.
Teen speakers felt censored by removal of key statements.
Accusations of silencing critical voices on social media.

Teens Censored: Internet Safety Charity Cuts Warnings

Childnet, a UK-based charity receiving partial funding from tech companies including Snap, Roblox, and Meta, faces accusations of censoring two young speakers at its 2024 Safer Internet Day event. Teenagers Lewis Swire and Saamya Ghai reported that their warnings regarding social media addiction and its detrimental effects on young people were edited out of their speeches.

These edited statements included concerns about social media addiction being an "imminent threat to our future," obsessive scrolling causing illness, and the addictive nature of platforms like TikTok and Snap. One cut passage questioned the value of spending years "scrolling TikTok and binge-watching Netflix." The speakers felt their messages were watered down, leading to a sense of betrayal and hypocrisy from an organization promoting internet safety.

Childnet's CEO, Will Gardner, denied that edits were made to appease tech funders. He stated that while the charity advises on tone and language, it does not prevent young people from making their points. Gardner asserted that their funding from tech companies does not compromise their voice or their work in online safety. However, critics argue that young people's voices are only welcomed when they align with pre-approved positions, suggesting these edits served as "cover" for commercial interests.