Social media platforms must do more to stop their algorithms from recommending harmful content to children, Ofcom has said.

The regulator has published a draft children’s safety code of practice. The document outlines the new standards tech giants must follow to protect children, as required by the Online Safety Act.

But two mothers believe their children died from copying dangerous social media challenges. They feel “belittled” by Ofcom over its failure to listen to grieving parents.

News has reached the mother of Archie Batterbee, who died at the age of 1 The incident occurred when a “prank or experiment” went wrong at their home. News has reached the mother of Isaac Kenevan. They believe his death, which occurred at the age of 1, is related to his participation in a choking challenge on social media.

Isaac’s mother is Lisa

“They should be listening to us as bereaved parents,” said Isaac’s mother Lisa.

“Ofcom have got the power, the policing, and we feel like we’ve been belittled, they’ve said certain things but there’s just no action at the moment.”

Hollie, Archie’s mother, shared her experience: “I’ve seen a handful of parents go through what we’re going through, and it’s heartbreaking.” She added, “In a well-mannered society, this should not happen.”

When the government passed the Online Safety Act last October, it came with new enforcement powers for Ofcom.

Both Hollie and Lisa campaigned tirelessly to get the bill passed and both are frustrated by how painfully slow the process is proving to be.

Ms Kenevan said: “This law has been put in place but nothing has really changed, which is frustrating for us, it’s almost like an insult to us because we’ve put in so much work.

“It is too late, our boys have gone… but Ofcom should really step up and hold their feet to the fire… step in fast to stop the content being in there in the first place.”

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Taming algorithms

Ofcom’s draft code of conduct includes robust age checks. It also includes improved complaint procedures. Social media platforms have made a commitment to take action. They will work to tame algorithms that recommend harmful content to children.

In the event of failure, they might be penalized with a fine equivalent to 10% of their total revenue.

Dame Melanie Dawes, the chief executive of Ofcom, made the following statement to News: “Within the next year, Ofcom will have the authority to enforce codes against the tech industry. I urge the tech industry not to wait for that moment and to comply with the codes before then.”

Over the next few years, we will see change. We’re going to drive it forward with every possible tool that we’ve got.

‘Big step change for the industry’

Ofcom denies excluding people from its consultations. They insist they have spoken to victim groups and bereaved families, numbering 15,000 children and 7,000 parents.

Dame Melanie insisted: ‘We ask families who have lost children due to online incidents to continue working with us. The families involved are urged to maintain their cooperation with us.

Today, we’re proposing a significant shift for the industry. Let’s work together to discuss this proposal to ensure we get it right.

Dread over children at risk

For the parents of Archie and Isaac, ever-present is the dread over how many children remain at risk.

Ms. Kenevan said: “Unfortunately, there are more and more children dying, despite efforts to put new laws in place.It’s frustrating to be a part of a club we don’t want to join. Knowing that others are joining as well only adds to the frustration.

To prevent every parent’s worst nightmare, change can’t come soon enough.Warning issued to social media platforms about potential risks of algorithms promoting harmful content to minors