Prof Julia Davidson OBE

Prof Criminal Justice & Cybercrime, UEL, Author, Speaker. Director Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank. LSE Alumna. Alpaca fan. Views my own.

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

A day of connecting research, policy and practice.
From the Tower Hamlets Children & Youth Forum, we shared evidence on young people's online experiences to help shape safer, more inclusive digital spaces.
#ChildOnlineSafety #DigitalSafety #ResearchImpact
https://t.co/ukDY9NeMGI

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

We're proud that Policing with Compassion, developed by our Evaluation Unit with key partners, is being rolled out across London to help police better support neurodivergent young people through improved safeguarding, communication and trust.
https://t.co/dCvOHvNcWK

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

We hosted a virtual symposium on AI chatbots & youth mental health as part of ANCHOR AI (led by Alexandra Deac). Key message: AI chatbots are now part of young people’s lives. Thanks to all contributors and attendees for a rich discussion.
https://t.co/eDQwnqTII9

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

🥳 Congratulations to our Research Affiliate, Dr Elizabeth Walters, on receiving the UEL Teaching Fellow in Early Careers Award! 👏 A fantastic recognition of her impact on students and colleagues. We’re proud to have her on our team!
https://t.co/ayv5BN3lC4

[Uni of East London @UEL_News]

The UK has announced plans to ban social media access for under-16s. But is restricting access enough?

Researchers at the University of East London say the focus must also be on platform accountability, digital literacy and creating safer online environments for young people.

💬 Professor @JuliaDavidson13 OBE: "Age restrictions should not be viewed as a standalone solution."

💬 Dr Ruby Farr: "The challenge is creating safer online environments where young people can learn, connect and thrive."

📖 https://t.co/i6NO6Ws9aE

#YouthOnlineSafety #SocialMediaBan #DigitalLiteracy #Cybercrime #HigherEducation #TeamUEL #ConnectedCommunities

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

We’re pleased to share the new Open Access Cambridge Elements publication, Virtual Reality Risks for Children in the Metaverse, by @E_Martellozzo, @PaulaJBradbury, @ruby_r_farr, and @JuliaDavidson13.
https://t.co/Wb0h2K6Eii

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

Join us for a virtual symposium on AI chatbots and youth mental health on Monday 22 June 2026 12:00–1:30pm BST. Welcomed by Professor @JuliaDavidson13 and chaired by Alexandra D., the session will bring together global experts to share the latest evidence.
https://t.co/2Ove3MV6gc

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

⚽ Addressing Online Harms in Football

ICC Director Prof @JuliaDavidson13 attended the Football APPG inquiry into online harms in football at Westminster, contributing evidence-informed insights from the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank.

https://t.co/cRPqGhB2gg

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

Our Director, @JuliaDavidson13 and Senior Research Fellow, @ruby_r_farr, were delighted to collaborate with the LLR Violence Reduction Network this week to deliver interactive, evidence-based online safety training. Learn more in the post below.
https://t.co/Kd7bn8LaJg

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

CHESS Director Darren Sharpe and Research Assistant Liliana Galicia were delighted to deliver a bespoke training session on creative and inclusive evaluation methods in collaboration with the London Higher Access HE Practitioner Programme.
https://t.co/Aczca9Ugg0

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

Yesterday, the Institute of Connected Communities hosted a stand at the UEL Summer Festival, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with the wider community while raising awareness of the Centre for Health Equality and Sustainable Societies. https://t.co/34X3XRcK1x

[Prof Julia Davidson OBE @JuliaDavidson13]

@Iwaleso @UELFinTech @bankofengland @SBL_UEL @UEL_News Congratulations Iwa

[Uni of East London @UEL_News]

With MPs reconsidering a social media ban for under-16s, experts at UEL are helping shape the debate.

@JuliaDavidson13 and @maryCyPsy are proposing a more effective alternative to a blanket ban:

→ A three-tier model based on child development
→ A regulated “Teen Mode” for 13–15-year-olds
→ Stronger controls on persuasive design features

[Prof Julia Davidson OBE @JuliaDavidson13]

We set up the @UEL_News @ICC_UEL Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank to ensure that policy is research evidence based. Very proud of our great progress in a short time and of our amazing Team of ECRs including @meggyesfalvi @ruby_r_farr @AlexandraDeac1 https://t.co/PmDnnloWil

[Prof Julia Davidson OBE @JuliaDavidson13]

https://t.co/PmDnnloWil

[Institute for Connected Communities @ICC_UEL]

🎮 Do you know young gamers aged 13–19? We're looking for participants for a research study on online multiplayer gaming. Share this with them! 👇 https://t.co/CekwyhCIGC
#GamingResearch #OnlineSafety

[Uni of East London @UEL_News]

Professor @JuliaDavidson13 OBE, Director of the @ICC_UEL Institute for Connected Communities at the University of East London, featured in @Reuters on the debate over potential social media restrictions for under-16s.

An expert on online harms who advises governments and regulators, she said,

“How are we going to enforce a ban with 14 and 15-year-olds who have grown up with it and built extensive networks?”

Read more: https://t.co/og5wzFdnm7

#UELNews

[Molly Rose Foundation @mollyroseorg]

Molly vs The Machines highlights the realities of the online world young people are growing up in.

You don’t have to be a tech expert to protect your child online.

[Uni of East London @UEL_News]

As the UK government launches its consultation on tougher restrictions for under 16s' social media use, Professor Julia Davidson OBE, Institute for Connected Communities (@ICC_UEL) calls for a balanced, evidence led approach. @JuliaDavidson13

"Concerns around mental health and online harm are real, but changes to the law must be grounded in solid research. The priority should be safer platform design and meaningful protections, not just age thresholds or blanket bans."

#TeamUEL #OnlineHarms

[Prof Julia Davidson OBE @JuliaDavidson13]

Looking forward to speaking at this conference @ICC_UEL @UEL_News

[Royal College of Psychiatrists @rcpsych]

2 weeks to go until the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry @RcpsychCAP Winter Conference. Hear from @JuliaDavidson13 @bernadkad @Livingstone_S Ian Russell, Founder & Chair @mollyroseorg and many more.

View the full programme and book: https://t.co/L3dgt0b3oQ
#capwinter26