New Ofcom rules: What differences will you notice?

New rules to protect children and young people online come into force today.

The safety measures have been introduced as part of the Online Safety Act which means online and social media companies are now legally responsible for keeping children and young people safe online.

The rules were set out by Ofcom - the regulator that oversees TV, radio and the internet in the UK - and will apply to social media and gaming sites and apps used by young people in the UK.

The aim is to stop children from seeing harmful or inappropriate content.

But what are the rules and what changes might you notice when you're online? Keep reading to find out.

What are the new rules?

Ofcom say their new rules have more than 40 guidelines that tech firms must follow otherwise they could face big fines. They include:

• Algorithms - tech which offers you content users may like - must be changed to filter out harmful content from children's feeds.

• Stricter age checks for people accessing age-restricted content.

• Taking quick action when harmful content is identified.

• Making terms of service easy for children to understand.

• Giving children the option to decline group chats invitations which may include harmful content, and to block and mute accounts and to disable comments on their own posts.

• Providing support to children who come across harmful content.

• Having a "named person accountable for children's safety" at the organisation.

• A yearly review of possible risks to children.

Why have the new rules been brought in?

While the internet can be a wonderful place full of new ideas and entertainment, it can also be a harmful place especially for children who might come across content that isn't appropriate for their age.

The aim is to stop children from seeing harmful or inappropriate content online.

The new rules put the legal responsibility of keeping children safe onto the social media companies who could face big fines if they don't put the right safety measures in place.

What changes will you notice?

You might not even notice a difference in your apps and games now these rules are in place.

It's hoped videos that could upset you or cause you harm won't appear in your feed at all.

The new rules and the Online Safety Act doesn't ban children from using social media, or set a minimum age for them to use it.

But, they do say that social media companies must regularly enforce their age limits and protect their child users.

That may involve preventing children from accessing all of a site or app, or only some areas or content.

What should you do if you see something bad online?

If you come across something that upsets you online, you should tell a parent or trusted adult.

Talking about it can help you understand what is upsetting you, and help those feelings of sadness, anger or confusion to go away.

Your trusted adult will also be able to help you report the content if you need to.

Don't share the video or content with your friends - if it's upset you, it could upset someone else too.