Official statistics announcement

Children's online 'user ages' Wave 5

This survey estimates the proportion of children who have a false 'user age' on their online profile, making them appear older than they actually are.

• From: Ofcom
• Published: 18 November 2025
• Last updated: 30 January 2026

• Proposed release: March 2026
• Cancellation date: 30 January 2026 11:14am

Statistics release cancelled

In light of the changing online landscape and the implementation of Ofcom’s Protection of Children codes, tracking and estimating a child’s ‘user age’ using this methodology is no longer feasible. Full details of this decision are available at https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/our-research/statistical-release-calendar-2026