Policy and Rights Challenges in Children’s Online Behaviour and Safety, 2017–2023

This incisive analysis dissects the repeated failures of online safety policy, arguing that current approaches to protecting youth from digital harms are fundamentally flawed. Author Andy Phippen systematically challenges the conventional educational and legislative frameworks that dominate the conversation, exposing how reactive, media-driven policymaking consistently misses the mark. The book builds a compelling case for shifting toward evidence-based strategies that actually align with the lived experiences of the young people they aim to safeguard, moving beyond fear-based rhetoric.

What makes this critique particularly powerful is its unexpected parallel to drug policy reform, drawing insightful comparisons to show how other fields have successfully transitioned to more progressive, evidence-led models. This creates a fresh perspective that will resonate with educators, policymakers, and anyone frustrated by the cyclical nature of internet safety debates. By grounding its argument in real-world policy parallels rather than theoretical abstraction, the book provides a practical roadmap for creating more effective digital protection frameworks that truly serve their intended beneficiaries.