In today’s Digest, we cover YouTube becoming the top TV choice for children, YouTube being added to Australia’s social media ban for under-16s, as well as Havas reporting solid H1 results and expanding in Southeast Asia.

YouTube becomes top TV choice for children

In a dive into UK viewing habits, Ofcom found that one in five children aged four to 15 chose YouTube as their first TV destination last year. In total, viewers in the UK spent an average of 39 minutes a day on YouTube in 2024. Netflix was not far behind. BBC One and iPlayer also made the top five, but public service broadcasters are facing a growing fight for attention.

YouTube use is rising sharply among older viewers too. Brits over 55 nearly doubled their YouTube watch time last year from six minutes a day to 11 minutes a day. And increasingly, they’re watching on the big screen, with 42% of that viewing now happening on TVs. 

Among 16 to 24-year-olds, traditional live TV is losing ground rapidly, with just 17 minutes watched per day on average, and fewer than half tuning in to any broadcast TV in a typical week. Just 45% of them tuned into broadcast TV in an average week last year, a steady slide from 48% in 2023.

YouTube added to Australia’s social media ban for under-16s

The Albanese government has withdrawn a previous exemption and added YouTube to a list of platforms children under the age of 16 will be blocked from using under new rules set to take effect in December.

It joins Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X on the restricted list. Meanwhile, gaming platforms, messaging apps, educational tools, and health services will be spared from the ban.

The decision follows advice from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who urged the government to include YouTube in the ban, warning that the platform’s algorithm leaves children “powerless”. She cited research showing that 40% of kids had been exposed to inappropriate content on YouTube making it the most commonly mentioned platform in the findings.

Last week, Google claimed it was considering legal action regarding the matter, although Labor minister Tanya Plibersek said the government would not be bullied out of taking action. 

In a statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms, so I’m calling time on it.”

Havas reports solid H1 Results and expands in Singapore

Havas is off to a strong start in 2025. The global communications group reported solid results for the first half of the year, with organic growth rising by 2.3% and adjusted EBIT up 8.3% year-on-year.

Net revenue reached €1,346m (£1,015m), representing a 2.9% year-on-year increase, sustained by organic growth of +2.3%. The group saw an acceleration in momentum during the second quarter, with organic growth rising to +2.6%, compared to +2.1% in the first quarter. 

CEO and Chairman Yannick Bolloré called it “a solid first half,” citing strong momentum in North America and a string of new integrated wins. 

The earnings announcement comes as Havas expands its footprint in Southeast Asia with the launch of a new joint venture between HAVAS Red and H/Advisors in Singapore. The move is designed to offer a fully integrated communications solution that blends strategic corporate advisory with public relations, social, experiential, and content capabilities.

Mark Worthington, managing director and co-founder of H/Advisors Klareco has been appointed to lead the newly combined HAVAS Red team in Singapore. He noted that the integration of teams would position the agency as a stronger, more unified partner for clients across Singapore and the wider region, offering end-to-end capabilities spanning social media, experiential marketing, and media relations.