Barnardo's wants social media giants to take action to prevent young people being taken advantage of online

Social media companies need to do more to protect children, a charity has said.

Research by Barnardo’s has shown more than half of 12-year-olds have posted live videos on apps and websites meant for older children and adults.

The charity has said livestreaming can be used by predators to groom children, and that urgent action is needed.

The YouGov study found 57% of 12-year-olds and more than one-in-four children aged 10 (28%) have admitted live streaming content over the internet.

Almost a quarter of 10 to 16 year-olds (24%) say they or a friend have regretted posting live content on apps and websites, UK-wide research for the leading children's charity reveals.

Despite the recent announcement by culture secretary, Matt Hancock, that the government would produce a white paper about online safety, Barnardo's says measures are needed to protect children now.

Chief executive Javed Khan said: “Livestreaming is being used by predators to groom children online. We know from our specialist services across the UK that children are at risk of live grooming on online platforms.

"Tech companies are simply not doing enough to keep children safe. Our research shows that children use livestreaming apps that are not appropriate for their ages so tech giants need to ensure they put robust age-verification rules in place.”

Internet Matters chief executive Carolyn Bunting said: "It's vital that parents keep on top of emerging trends in how children are communicating with one another online. Livestreaming and broadcasting yourself live online presents new potential risks and challenges for parents who want to ensure their children are living a safe digital life.

"It's important they know exactly what those risks are and the advice that goes with them.”