Study Shows 7 in 10 Children Face Harmful Online Content

September 5, 2024

New research reveals that seven out of ten children aged nine to 13 have encountered harmful experiences or content online. This concerning figure was part of a study released by Internet Matters, in collaboration with Opinium, which also showed that one-fifth of children in this age group have been contacted by strangers through online platforms.

Online Stunts and Challenges Cause Concern

According to the study, 17% of children aged nine to 13 have seen content that encourages dangerous online stunts or challenges. Other harmful experiences include exposure to hate speech (13%) and misinformation or disinformation (15%). Additionally, one in ten children have viewed violent content or materials promoting violence.

Children Spend More Time Online Than Parents Realise

The research found that children in this age group are spending an average of 23.2 hours per week online—two hours more than their parents are aware of. This gap in understanding suggests that many parents may not fully realise the extent of their children’s online activities.

Parents Underestimate Risks

Internet Matters warned that parents are underestimating the time their children spend online, inadvertently exposing them to greater risks. The research, conducted between May and June, involved 1,000 children aged nine to 17 and 3,000 parents of children aged three to 17. The focus on this particular age group stems from the fact that many children are likely receiving their first smartphones and accessing the digital world more independently during these years.

Limited Use of Online Safety Measures

Surprisingly, 74% of parents surveyed do not use safe search settings or filters on their internet browsers, leaving children vulnerable to harmful content with just a few clicks. In addition, two-thirds of parents (67%) do not use parental controls on their home broadband systems, further increasing the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.

ABC Online Safety Checklist for Parents

In response to these findings, Internet Matters has introduced the Government-supported “ABC Online Safety Checklist” to help parents protect their children. The checklist advises parents to:

Activate Parental Controls: Use tools provided by broadband suppliers, online platforms, and apps to block inappropriate content, set safe search filters, and prevent contact from strangers.
Balance Screen Time: Establish a healthy balance between educational and leisure screen time. Parents are encouraged to check if the child’s screen time is more passive or interactive and set appropriate limits on daily usage.
Check and Chat: Keep track of the apps your children are using and be aware of the age restrictions for each platform. Regularly talk to your children about online safety and any risks they might face. Reassure them that they can come to you with any concerns, and work together to ensure their online experiences are positive.

Online Safety Act to Strengthen Child Protection

Baroness Jones, the Minister for Online Safety, highlighted the importance of creating a safer online space for children. She stated, “The Online Safety Act will introduce significant obligations to protect children from harmful content, and we are determined to implement these protections as swiftly as possible.”

She added that the ABC checklist is a useful resource to help parents make informed choices about their children’s social media use, ensuring a safer online environment for families.

Internet Matters Calls for Greater Support for Parents

Rachel Huggins, co-chief executive of Internet Matters, acknowledged the overwhelming nature of keeping children safe online. “With technology constantly evolving, there’s so much for parents to consider when it comes to online safety,” she said. “Our goal is to support them in protecting their children while allowing them to benefit from the positive aspects of the internet.”