Adolescence Online: Duncan Lewis Directors explore digital harm in the Family Law Journal (18 November 2025)

Directors Krina Parmar and Sophie Rayment, from our Family and Child Care team, have been featured in the October edition of the Family Law Journal with their thought-provoking article, “Adolescence online: family law and the boundaries of digital harm.”

In a world where children are growing up surrounded by smartphones, social media, and AI-driven platforms, Krina and Sophie delve into one of the most pressing questions facing families and practitioners today: how far does parental responsibility extend in the digital age?

Their article examines the rising concerns about children’s exposure to harmful online content and the growing expectation that parents – and the law – must do more to protect young people from digital risks. Drawing on recent research and emerging legal developments, they explore whether digital neglect could soon be recognised alongside more traditional forms of harm in the eyes of the family courts.

Among the issues discussed are:

• How family law is adapting to cases involving online harm and social media exposure;
• The mental health impacts of early and unsupervised internet use, particularly for vulnerable adolescents;
• The challenges faced by separated parents in setting consistent digital boundaries; and
• The potential for legal reform, as the Online Safety Act and related initiatives begin to redefine the responsibilities of both parents and tech platforms.

Krina and Sophie argue that the law is now at a crossroads. As digital life becomes ever more immersive, courts and practitioners must decide how to balance children’s freedoms with their safety. They call for a proactive and joined-up approach across public, private, and criminal law to ensure that children’s digital welfare is protected as robustly as their physical wellbeing.

This is an insightful and timely read for anyone working in family law, education, or safeguarding, as well as for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in a digital-first world.

Read the full article, “Adolescence online: family law and the boundaries of digital harm,” in the October edition of the Family Law Journal.

If you require specialist support from our Family & Child Care team, call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send an online enquiry.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

The ‘exceptional’ Family & Child Care team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors dispenses advice on the full spectrum of family law matters, with a particular emphasis on international child abduction cases, special guardianship orders, and wardship issues. Our solicitors have broad knowledge spanning surrogacy issues, adoption cases and financial proceedings, and is described in The Legal 500 UK independent legal directory as "particularly adept at acting for children in public law care cases." The team has extensive expertise in advising on forced marriage and female genital mutilation matters, and a great deal of experience in handling high-net-worth divorces, cohabitation agreements, non-molestation injunctions, and emergency protection orders.