Our research explores the digital experiences of young people, providing data-driven insights to shape better policies and practices. Through focus groups and expert collaborations, we highlight key challenges and opportunities in online safety, digital literacy, and platform regulation. By amplifying youth voices, we aim to foster a safer and more empowering digital future.
New research entitled “Empowering and Protecting European Youth Online: Streamlining Legislation and Promoting Positive Digital Experiences” was released on Safer Internet Day by Dr. Sameer Hinduja and Farah Lalani with the support of ThinkYoung.
Building on their extensive research into teen behavior across various social media platforms, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion on online safety and harmonised regulation across the EU. ThinkYoung contributed to this research with insights from youth-centric focus groups.
This research seeks to inform policymakers, experts, practitioners and industry leaders to better understand young people’s experiences, concerns, and aspirations - and to ensure that they can benefit from all of the positives that social media has to offer, while mitigating the safety risks and harms posed by the digital world.
Research
Meet the Researchers
Charles Howard
Dr. Sameer Hinduja
Farah Lalani
As part of Dr. Sameer Hinduja and Farah Lalani’s research, ThinkYoung conducted a series of focus groups examining how teens across the EU engage with the internet, particularly on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Discord, WhatsApp, and gaming spaces. Through three dedicated groups spanning ages 13–15, 16–17, and 18+, the research uncovers key trends, risks, and platform-specific challenges. By evaluating current online child protection regulations, the paper underscores the need for a clearer, more harmonized EU framework to foster safer and more positive digital experiences for young people.
This project received funding support from Meta. All analysis and research were conducted independently, and all findings and conclusions are solely those of the authors.
Q&A with Sameer
Q&A with Charles
ThinkYoung is a not-for-profit organisation, aiming to make the world a better place for young people by involving them in decision-making processes and providing decision-makers with high-quality research on youth conditions. ThinkYoung conducts studies and surveys, makes advocacy campaigns, writes policy proposals, and develops education programmes: up to date, ThinkYoung projects have reached over 800,000 young people.
Meta is a tech company with apps that you may know, like Instagram or WhatsApp. We work hard to build online spaces where young people can learn, connect, create, and have fun. We want young people to enjoy our platforms and to be safe, so creating spaces for young people to have their say on the future of platforms like ours is crucial.