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Lack of Age Verification Means 13-17 Year Olds Increasingly Free to Buy Inappropriate Material Online

Young people are using the internet to buy inappropriate material, such as explicit video games, adult DVDs, alcohol and even weapons, because it is easier than buying it on the high street, according to a study published this month by GB Group.

A nationwide survey among 1,000 male and female teenagers aged 13-17 found that young people are consistently trying to buy inappropriate material online thanks to poor levels of age verification – and in thousands of cases across the country are successful in their attempts.

The research reveals:

• Nearly half (48%) of teenage boys under 18 have tried to buy adult DVDs or violent video games online in the past year...and over three quarters were successful
• One in 20 (5%) 14 year olds have successfully purchased alcohol online
• A similar number of 15 year olds have been able to buy dangerous objects online such as knives
• A quarter (25%) of teenage boys and over a third (38%) of teenage girls under 18 have managed to buy items online using someone else’s credit card

Richard Law, GB Group’s CEO, said: “The research shows there is an urgent need for online retailers in this country to undertake some form of age verification checks to prevent youngsters from buying inappropriate goods online. Under-age binge drinking is a huge problem, for example, yet many online retailers still don’t have any age verification system in place – while it’s even possible for young people to successfully buy knives online without having to undergo any form of identity or age verification.  Online businesses need to recognise developments in age and ID verification, and adopt a risk-based approach, to protect young and vulnerable people.

And the survey shows just how easy it is for under-18s to purchase unsuitable items online: nearly one in five (17%) got round any age restrictions by using a pre-paid credit card, while 84% only had to tick a box to say they were 18."

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