Exploring the relationship between persuasive design on online platforms, and the time that children spend on them
Published: 21 May 2026
This page provides an overview and link to our findings from qualitative research with 40 children aged 8-16 who told us they were spending more time online than they planned to or realised, and 37 parents who shared this concern.
Making Sense of Media Bulletin: April 2026
Published: 29 January 2024
Last updated: 23 April 2026
Ofcom's Making Sense of Media bulletin summarises media literacy activities by a range of organisations in the UK and overseas.
Transparency Notice: Behavioural Audit Research
Published: 12 January 2026
Last updated: 20 March 2026
A transparency notice alerting to cross-functional research being carried out by Ofcom's Making Sense of Media Team, and Behavioural Insights Hub, involving behavioural audits of five major online platforms. The work is focused on digital media literacy functions.
Supporting transparent evaluation practices
Published: 26 February 2026
This page shares Ofcom research looking at why organisations delivering media literacy interventions are hesitant to share evaluation findings and what could be done to change this.
A toolkit for evaluating media literacy interventions
Published: 10 November 2023
Last updated: 26 February 2026
Ofcom has produced this set of guides to help you evaluate media literacy interventions.
Helping Users Assess Content Online: Integrating Behavioural Tools through an Adaptive Randomised Controlled Trial
Published: 24 February 2026
This experimental study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of various behavioural interventions designed to help users assess the reliability, accuracy, and authenticity of online content. It employs a novel methodology known as Adaptive Randomised Control Trials to explore this area.
MSOM Advisory Panel
Published: 14 March 2024
Last updated: 14 January 2026
The Making Sense of Media Advisory Panel informs Ofcom's work to help improve the online skills, knowledge and understanding of UK adults and children.
How to promote Media Literacy: Consultation on recommendations for online platforms, broadcasters and services
Published: 15 September 2025
Last updated: 8 January 2026
This page contains a consultation on recommendations for how online platforms and broadcasters should promote media literacy. We are inviting thoughts and responses from stakeholders on our proposed recommendations, ahead of publishing a statement later in the financial year.
Media Literacy Delivery Plan December 2025 - March 2027
Published: 5 December 2025
This delivery plan sets out the work of the Making Sense of Media (MSOM) programme over the coming 15 months. It also details our progress since we published our annual plan in October 2024.
Best Practice Design Principles for Media Literacy
Published: 14 March 2024
Last updated: 5 December 2025
What good media literacy 'by design' looks like for social media, search, video-sharing and gaming services.