Research shows that parents are increasingly concerned that high-tech screen time is eating away at family time and negatively impacting their children's health, but children's overall digital well-being is improving. It is said that there is
The annual survey by online safety charity Internet Matters surveys 1,000 families about their digital habits.
Its latest report found that while parents are increasingly concerned that device time is cutting into traditionally family-centered time, 63% of parents questioned said they spend more time online. They also said they believed time was having a negative impact on their children's health.
About 50% said they were concerned that screen time was affecting their child's sleep.
However, research shows that children's digital well-being is improving overall, with them feeling more confident, feeling part of a group, being more creative, and feeling more empowered online. We found that an increasing number of young people indicated that they felt the benefits of something.
However, the survey highlighted several points regarding online activity. Almost half of 15- and 16-year-old girls say a stranger has tried to contact them, compared to just 3 in 10 in 2022.
Additionally, two-thirds (67%) of children said they had experienced something they thought was harmful online.
Carolyn Bunting, co-chief executive officer of Internet Matters, said: “The impact of technology on children and family life is complex and brings both benefits and concerns.
“Many parents are increasingly concerned about how high-tech devices are encroaching on family time and the strain screen time is having on children's physical health, sleep and concentration.
“Many parents are familiar with the blue light under the bedroom door, but some kids can't control the amount of time they spend online.”
The annual report, titled 'Children's Well-Being in a Digital World 2024', finds that more parents are taking steps to monitor and mediate their children's screen time and online activities, such as using apps and parental control settings. It turned out that it was.
And 21% of those who do said they manage their children's screen time “a lot.”
“Parents need to understand how their families can properly balance the time they spend online and offline, and whether they are always setting the best example for their children when it comes to using phones and other technological devices. You have to ask,” Bunting said.
“However, the overall trends showing that children's digital wellbeing is improving are welcome.
“The online world is a great source of inspiration, creativity and fun for children. It is also heartening to see an increasing proportion of parents taking steps to support their children online.
“The recently passed Online Safety Act is critical to strengthening protection for children and young people.
“However, more than two-thirds of young people, especially girls, say they have experienced harm online.
“It is alarming that almost half of girls aged 15 to 16 say they have received a message or contact from a stranger.
“The influence of sexist and misogynistic influencers and communities continues to create a hostile online environment for many girls and young women.
“These challenges highlight that there is no room for complacency and we cannot leave it up to parents alone. There is still much work to do to keep all children safe online. .”