ARThe latest findings from Ofcom’s annual report into the UK’s digital habits reveal interesting gender disparities in how men and women engage with the online world. These insights, particularly regarding online safety and the concerns of women and girls, underline the critical need for tailored approaches towards digital wellbeing.
Women Spend More Time Online but Have Greater Concerns About Its Value
Women have shown higher levels in daily screen time across all age groups, spending an average of 33 minutes more online than men each day. This gap is especially seen among Gen Z women, who engage in screentime by over an hour daily compared to men. Despite this increased usage, women are more sceptical about the benefits of the internet, with fewer agreeing it’s a societal good compared to men (34% vs 47%).
Women report heightened concern about a range of online harms, from extremism and trafficking to hateful content highlighting that despite their active participation, there is a general feeling that the risks outweigh the rewards.
Teenage Girls Face Unique Online Challenges
For teenage girls, Ofcom has shown some interesting findings. While it offers opportunities for connection and learning, it also exposes them towards unique risks. Girls aged 13-17 are more likely than boys to encounter harmful content related to body image, dieting, and misogyny. They’re also more likely to experience unwelcome friend requests and targeted harassment.
These experiences highlight the urgent need for digital education tailored towards young people, to equip them with the skills to navigate these challenges. SWGfL continues to develop our online resources like ProjectEVOLVE to support schools and educators in fostering safer online experiences for young people.
A Gendered Divide in Digital Behaviours
Men and women’s online habits diverge significantly across platforms and content types. Women primarily spend their time on platforms like Pinterest, Snapchat, and TikTok, while men are more active on Reddit, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Similarly, men are twice as likely as women to visit pornographic sites and are more engaged with generative AI tools.
These distinctions reflect deeper cultural and societal influences shaping online behaviour. For example, women’s preference for health and wellbeing platforms vs men’s engagement with AI and online news underscores the need for diverse safety measures that address varied online contexts.
Protecting Women and Girls Online
From next month, new online safety laws will require tech companies to act decisively against harmful and illegal content. Specific guidance to make digital spaces safer for women and girls will follow in early 2025.
We consistently work to provide support and tools for reporting harm like through Report Harmful Content, promoting education, and empowering users to take control of their online lives.
Building a Safer Digital Future
The Ofcom report underscores the importance of gender-sensitive approaches towards online safety. Women and girls face distinct challenges, and it is crucial that tech platforms, educators, and policymakers work collaboratively to address these.
SWGfL will continue to champion initiatives that ensure all users—regardless of gender—can experience the internet as a safe, inclusive space. With continued work, we can transform these challenges into opportunities for positive change.
