Young individuals are finding ways to bypass age verification measures on social media platforms by using deceptive tactics such as fake birthdates, shared accounts, edited photos, and even resorting to drawing fake mustaches, a recent study has revealed.
Despite stringent online safety regulations in place, nearly half of children (49%) have faced online harm, including exposure to violent or hateful content, as per a recent survey by Internet Matters. The study also found that a significant portion of children (46%) believe age checks can be easily circumvented, with only 17% considering them challenging to overcome.
A considerable number of children (32%) admitted to evading age verification processes, either by inputting false birthdates or utilizing someone else’s credentials. Some even resorted to unconventional methods like drawing on facial hair to deceive the systems.
One parent disclosed that their 12-year-old son attempted to pass off as 15 by drawing a mustache on his face using an eyebrow pencil, successfully tricking the verification process.
While social media platforms were mandated by Ofcom to enforce stringent age verification measures, like credit card checks or facial recognition technology, the implementation of such measures has been gradual. However, the survey found an increase in safety features, with approximately 68% of children and 67% of parents noting the presence of improved reporting tools and content filters on these platforms.
Despite these enhancements, less than half of parents (39%) and children (42%) believe that the online environment has become significantly safer. Pressure is mounting on the government to consider banning social media for individuals under 16, following Australia’s similar move last year.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey has pledged to introduce some form of age or functionality restrictions following consultations on various online safety measures. However, Internet Matters emphasized the need for stronger age verification processes to ensure substantial progress. Recent findings from Australia’s ban indicated that a significant portion of 12 to 15-year-olds (61%) still managed to access restricted platforms, highlighting the loopholes in the current age verification systems.
Rachel Huggins, the CEO of Internet Matters, stressed the importance of designing safety measures that cater to the actual needs of families and effectively protect children from harmful content online. She called for meaningful changes in the law to address the persistent challenges faced by children in online spaces.
In response, an Ofcom spokesperson reiterated the significance of the Online Safety Act in safeguarding children online, emphasizing the necessity of robust age verification measures. They highlighted the responsibility of tech firms to prioritize child safety on their platforms and acknowledged the ongoing efforts to enhance protections for young users.
The study conducted by Internet Matters involved 1,270 UK children aged between nine and 16, along with their parents, in September and October 2025. Additionally, focus groups with children and families were held in February 2026 to gather further insights.
