In 2025, England and several countries worldwide are implementing significant reforms to strengthen child protection laws, focusing on online safety, legal accountability, and institutional oversight.

England: Strengthening Safeguards and Accountability

• Mandatory Reporting of Abuse: The Crime and Policing Bill introduces a statutory duty for professionals working with children to report known or suspected child sexual abuse. Failure to report will constitute a criminal offence, with penalties for those attempting to obstruct such reporting .

• Online Safety Enhancements: Under the Online Safety Act 2023, Ofcom’s new regulations mandate effective age verification and risk assessments for services accessed by children. These measures aim to prevent exposure to harmful content, including pornography and material promoting self-harm or eating disorders .

• Historical Justice Measures: The government plans to expunge convictions of individuals who, as minors, were victims of grooming gangs but were previously prosecuted for offences like soliciting. Additionally, the three-year time limit for survivors of child sexual abuse to file compensation claims has been abolished, allowing survivors more time to seek justice .

• Establishment of a Child Protection Authority: A new Child Protection Authority is being established to oversee and improve child safeguarding practices across institutions, fulfilling a key recommendation from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse .

Global Developments in Child Protection

• European Union: The EU is set to launch an age-verification app in July 2025, enabling users to verify their age without sharing personal information. This initiative supports stricter enforcement of platform obligations concerning minors and harmful content .

• Australia: The government is proposing a Children’s Online Privacy Code, granting individuals the right to erase their digital footprints upon turning 18. The code will impose penalties up to $50 million for violations, targeting global tech giants .

• United States: The Kids Online Safety Act, passed by the Senate, requires internet platforms to implement measures protecting minors from harmful content, including tools for parents to manage their children’s online experiences .

• Hong Kong: The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance mandates certain professionals to report suspected serious child abuse cases, providing legal protection for those making such reports .

These legislative actions reflect a global commitment to enhancing child protection, particularly in the digital realm, ensuring children’s safety and well-being are prioritized across various jurisdictions.