'Greta effect' spurring UK children's online activism, Ofcom says

Survey also finds more parents feel internet carries more risks than benefits for young people

Ofcom has credited the “Greta effect” after recording an increase in the proportion of 12-15-year-olds taking part in online activism for environmental and political causes.

Almost a fifth of children in the age group gave support to causes or organisations by sharing or commenting on social media posts last year, up by eight percentage points on 2018, and one in 10 signed an online petition. Greta Thunberg began her school climate strikes in August 2018.