Stop Scams UK supports Safer Internet Day 2025
New research from the UK Safer Internet Centre has revealed the prevalence of online scams targeting children and young people in the UK.
The survey, published to mark Safer Internet Day 2025, which takes place on 11 February, highlights the importance of “protecting yourself and others from scams online”.
“Protecting children from online scams is a responsibility that goes beyond industry boundaries – it’s on all of us,” said Stop Scams UK CEO, Mark Tierney.
“That’s why Stop Scams UK members are actively supporting Safer Internet Day as part of our ongoing collaborative mission. It is vital that companies from all sectors, including technology, financial services, and telecoms, come together to create a safer digital environment for our youngest and most vulnerable users.”
According to the survey, 79% of children aged 8-17 encounter scams online at least once a month, with 45% encountering them weekly.
The data also shows that 20% of the children surveyed reported seeing scams online every day.
Additionally, the survey highlights that almost a fifth of children (18%) know someone their age who has lost money to an online scam, and over a quarter (26%) of those who have been scammed blame themselves.
The study also underscores the desire for education on this issue, with 74% of 8 to 17-year-olds expressing a need to learn more about identifying scams online.
The findings published today also extend to parents and carers with 83% believing that scams are more prevalent than ever, and 81% feeling that scams are becoming increasingly convincing. This sentiment is echoed by 47% of children and 43% of teens, who also see scams becoming more sophisticated.
Furthermore, around a third of young people (32%) express concern that emerging technologies, such as generative AI, will make scams significantly harder to detect.
For too long, young people have been overlooked, yet our research clearly demonstrates how much of an impact online scams can have on them.
Will Gardner OBE, Director of the UK Safety Internet Centre
Will Gardner, Director of the UK Safety Internet Centre, emphasised the importance of addressing this issue: “This Safer Internet Day, we want to put the importance of protecting children from online scams on the agenda. For too long, young people have been overlooked, yet our research clearly demonstrates how much of an impact online scams can have on them.”
Ahead of the day, Stop Scams UK invited Will to address members and share his thoughts and ideas on how best to amplify messaging. Speaking to companies from across financial services, tech and telecoms, Will advised members on how they can get involved with the campaign.
The work that Will and the team are doing in helping to equip the next generation with the knowledge to recognise and respond to scams is essential in building young people’s understanding of the world and protecting them from harm.
Mark Tierney, CEO Stop Scams UK
Stop Scams UK CEO Mark Tierney said the company was “proud” to support Safer Internet Day 2025, adding that it was important to “recognise the critical role education plays in safeguarding young people in the digital world.”
“The work that Will and the team are doing in helping to equip the next generation with the knowledge to recognise and respond to scams is essential in building young people’s understanding of the world and protecting them from harm,” said Tierney.
“Working alongside the Safer Internet Day team with our members across the financial services, technology and telecoms sectors, we believe days like this can be key in fostering awareness and resilience from an early age and reduce young people’s vulnerability to scams.”
