The current common law and statutory provisions regulating obscene material accessible to children online continue to come under increasing scrutiny. Many will have seen or heard in the media that the Government is facing growing calls for restrictions – including the potential banning of certain social media use for those under 16. The House of Lords has welcomed such discussions.
In response, the Government launched a National Consultation – Call for Evidence on 2 March, inviting public input. The consultation will close at 11:59 pm on 26 May 2026.
YouTube resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLHlUDFa1A8
Government consultation link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/growing-up-in-the-online-world-a-national-consultation
A Call to Participate
The primary purpose of this notice is to respectfully encourage participation in this consultation – particularly within the Seventh-day Adventist community.
Presidents, secretaries, directors, coordinators, pastors, elders, and members are all encouraged to contribute their views. There is a shared moral and spiritual responsibility to safeguard children within our schools, churches, and wider communities.
Understanding the Issue
Case studies indicate that social media has both positive and negative impacts on children and adolescents. The Government is therefore consulting on measures such as:
- Potential age restrictions on social media, gaming platforms, and AI chatbots
- Limiting addictive design features and risky functionalities
- Providing greater support for parents and families
Readers are encouraged to review the consultation materials to better understand the Government’s position before responding.
Children, Development, and Digital Exposure
The development of a child’s brain is a critical factor when assessing risk. Children and adolescents aged 10–20 experience a particularly sensitive period in processing information, especially where exposure to explicit content is concerned.
It is therefore significant that the consultation includes young people aged 10–21, recognising their direct experience of the online environment.
Parents, carers, and those working with children are encouraged to support young people in completing the consultation section titled: ‘Survey for children and young people (aged 10 to 21)’.
Department for Education guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sharing-nudes-and-semi-nudes-advice-for-education-settings-working-with-children-and-young-people/sharing-nudes-and-semi-nudes-advice-for-education-settings-working-with-children-and-young-people
Legal Context: Obscenity and the Law
In the UK, two principal legal approaches have historically shaped the understanding of obscenity:
The Hicklin Test – defines obscenity as material that has the tendency to “deprave and corrupt” those exposed to it.
The Aversion Test – suggests that some material may instead provoke “shock and disgust,” rather than moral corruption.
The Obscene Publications Act 1959 introduced the concept of “public good” as a defence, allowing material to be justified in the interests of science, literature, art, or learning. However, its interpretation has led to ongoing debate and calls for reform.
The Way Forward
As we reflect on this issue, it is important not only to consider restrictions but also to promote positive alternatives. Children and adolescents should be encouraged to:
- Engage in reading and learning beyond digital platforms
- Develop healthy, balanced media habits
- Be guided by strong moral and spiritual values
Above all, the importance of biblical principles remains central. As expressed in Job 31:1:
“I made a covenant with mine eyes…”
Such principles can guide young people in navigating the challenges of digital exposure.
Closing Appeal
Thank you in advance to all who take the time to participate in this important consultation. Your contribution can help shape policies that safeguard the wellbeing of children and young people.
Brighton G Kavaloh
B.Th.; MTh; MA; Dip. (Legal Studies); LLM; PhD
Public Affairs & Religious Liberty Coordinator
South England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
References / Footnotes
1. UK Government Consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/growing-up-in-the-online-world-a-national-consultation
2. DfE Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sharing-nudes-and-semi-nudes-advice-for-education-settings-working-with-children-and-young-people/sharing-nudes-and-semi-nudes-advice-for-education-settings-working-with-children-and-young-people
3. Video resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLHlUDFa1A8
