When England’s Children’s Commissioner says a generation is still suffering from lockdown, it’s a warning we can’t afford to ignore.
In this powerful episode, Dame Rachel de Souza joins Harry to speak candidly about what she’s heard from more than a million children – and why she believes we’re failing them.
A former teacher and headteacher of 30 years, she reflects on the moment she realised the second school closure was “an unmitigated disaster” – and how decisions made in fear left deep scars on children’s education, confidence and mental health.
From the rise in anxiety and school avoidance to the “dark labyrinth” of social media, Dame Rachel paints a stark picture of what it means to grow up in today’s world.
She shares shocking findings from her national research: 25% of eight-year-olds have already seen hardcore pornography or violent content online; teenage girls’ happiness has plummeted; and AI “nudifying” apps are leaving young women and even teachers exposed to deepfake sexual abuse.
This is a call to action from the person whose job is to make sure every child’s voice is heard.
She speaks candidly about:
• The second school closure “an unmitigated disaster”
• What a million children said after lockdown
• The rise in anxiety and school absence
• Inside the “dark labyrinth” of social media
• How early kids are seeing porn online
• Why girls fear AI “nudifying” apps
• Tech giants failing to protect young people
• Building schools that include every child
• Why government must listen to children
Question The Default is in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably.
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This episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:
Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.net
Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.uk
Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.org
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.
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