Rising Concerns Over Children’s Screen Time and Online Safety
Recent survey findings have revealed a growing concern over the amount of time children are spending on digital devices. One in five children in Wales spend at least seven hours a day using phones and tablets, according to preliminary results from a study conducted by the children’s commissioner for Wales. Some children, such as two 10- and 11-year-olds, reported spending up to nine hours on screens during weekends. This highlights a significant shift in how young people engage with technology.
The survey, which included children and young people aged between seven and 18, aimed to understand their screen habits and online experiences. Among the 340 respondents so far, more than half mentioned having household rules to limit screen time and app usage. However, concerns remain about increased online activity during school holidays.
Parental Controls and Digital Restrictions
A third of the participants said they were required to leave their devices downstairs at bedtime, while 47% were only allowed to use specific apps. Despite these measures, many children found ways to bypass restrictions. For example, about three-quarters of those who used TikTok admitted to disabling its one-hour limit function for under-18s. This suggests that current controls may not be sufficient to curb excessive screen time.
Rocio Cifuentes, the children’s commissioner for Wales, emphasized the importance of the Online Safety Act in protecting children and improving their online experiences. She stressed the need for stronger mechanisms to prevent excessive screen time, especially as technology continues to evolve rapidly.
Youth Voices in the Digital Guardians Project
Young people are actively involved in shaping the future of online safety through initiatives like the Digital Guardians project. Run by Platform, a mental health charity, and the NSPCC, this program gives young people a platform to voice their opinions on online safety issues.
Rufus, a 15-year-old from Llantwit Major, believes more restrictions are necessary but cautions against limiting time on devices, as it could be perceived as restricting fun. Kiishi, a 13-year-old from Swansea, wants to share her experiences to help improve protections for other children. She described how technologies are becoming more complex and “almost controlling,” warning that some individuals could be influenced by misleading content.
Ada, a 12-year-old from Cardiff, joined the Digital Guardians project to help keep children safe from risks such as AI-generated misinformation and data theft. While she acknowledges the positive aspects of the internet, including educational opportunities, she stresses the need for stricter controls on harmful content.
New Online Safety Rules and Enforcement
The UK government is considering new measures to limit children’s social media usage. The Online Safety Act introduces several key changes, including age verification on certain platforms and modifications to algorithms to filter harmful content. Ofcom, the communications regulator, will enforce these rules, requiring social media companies to check user ages and adjust their content delivery systems.
Under the Act, firms are also obligated to remove illegal content, and new laws have been introduced to address the distribution of unsolicited sexual imagery online. Matthew Sowemimo, NSPCC associate head of public affairs for child safety online, highlighted the importance of involving young people in discussions about online safety. He emphasized that while their perspectives are valuable, the responsibility for protecting children should fall on tech companies, not the children themselves.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook
As technology continues to advance, online safety regulations must adapt to new challenges. The introduction of the Online Safety Act marks a significant step forward, but ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that children are protected from the risks of excessive screen time and harmful online content.
Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to create a safer digital environment for young people. This includes promoting digital literacy, encouraging responsible device use, and supporting initiatives that empower children to navigate the online world safely. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must the strategies and tools used to safeguard the well-being of the next generation.
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