This book examines the evolution of online safety policy for children in the UK and beyond, analysing shifts in legislative efforts from 2017 to 2023, including the enactment of the UK Online Safety Act 2023. Building on prior work, we explore the concept of an online safeguarding dystopia, where well-meaning but restrictive policies limit children’s rights under the guise of protection. By applying Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the text dissects the “online safety ecosystem”, which involves various stakeholders—from policy makers to educators and families—who impact children’s online experiences. The book critiques a dominant reliance on technological and punitive measures, arguing that such approaches ignore the complex, contextual nature of children’s lives and often fail to align with youth voices. It highlights a disconnection between policies intended to keep children safe and the practical realities they face. Ultimately, the author calls for an evidence-based, multi-stakeholder approach to online safety, one that embraces empowerment, education, and a nuanced understanding of the risks children face, to foster a digital environment that genuinely serves their best interests.