Almost half of UK children scammed online, research reveals

 

New research reveals that nearly half of children aged 8 to 17 have been scammed online, with 20% seeing scams daily and many losing money. The findings highlight growing concerns about online safety for young people.

The survey by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) found that 46% of children have experienced an online scam, with 9% – including children as young as 8 – having lost money. Social media, online games, and fake shopping websites are the most common places where scams occur.

The findings are part of Safer Internet Day, the UK’s largest online safety awareness campaign, which this year focuses on online scams.

Will Gardner, Director of UKSIC, said it is crucial to recognise the significant impact scams are having on young people.

“For too long, young people have been overlooked, yet our research clearly demonstrates how much of an impact online scams can have on them. This Safer Internet Day, we want to support intergenerational learning, helping children and parents tackle this issue together.”

Parents worried as scams become harder to spot

The survey shows that 83% of parents believe there are more scams online than ever before, with 81% saying scams are becoming harder to identify. Almost half of young people (47%) agree that scams are getting more convincing.

Concerns are also growing about the role of new technology such as generative AI, which 32% of children worry will make scams even more difficult to detect.

Tech Minister Baroness Jones said the normalisation of online scams is alarming and placed responsibility on tech companies to protect users.

“As the Safer Internet Centre’s research shows, fraudsters are clearly targeting vulnerable young people who should be able to connect with friends and family without being subjected to a barrage of scams.

“While raising awareness is important, the onus should not be on children to spot scams. Technology companies must take active steps to tackle illegal content like scams to protect people using their sites.”

The emotional toll of being scammed

For many young people, being scammed has a significant emotional impact. Nearly half of those who have been targeted said they felt angry or annoyed (47%), while 39% felt upset or sad. Worryingly, 26% blamed themselves for falling victim, rising to 37% among 17-year-olds.

This culture of self-blame often prevents young people from seeking help, with 47% saying they would feel too embarrassed to report being scammed. Others fear they would be blamed or punished, such as having their devices taken away.

How young people are fighting back

Despite these challenges, young people are already taking steps to protect themselves. The majority (87%) said they would block scam accounts, and 79% would check with a parent or carer if they were suspicious of something online. Nearly half (49%) said they have helped friends identify a scam.

However, 74% want to learn more about how to spot scams, highlighting the need for better education and resources.

Safer Internet Day encourages this kind of intergenerational learning, with 40% of parents reporting that their child had taught them how to identify scams.

Call for more protection

The findings come as the UK’s Online Safety Act prepares to take effect next month, requiring tech firms to take stronger measures to tackle illegal content, including scams.

In the meantime, UKSIC is providing resources for schools, parents, and young people to help them identify and avoid online scams. This year’s Safer Internet Day theme, Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online, aims to spark conversations across homes and schools about how to stay safe.

For more information and resources, visit the UK Safer Internet Centre website: saferinternet.org.uk.