Digital Boundaries:
Two Thirds of Parents Support Government Plans to Limit Children’s Social Media Use
According to the technology secretary, Peter Kyle, social media limits are being considered for children across the UK, with an announcement expected this autumn. New data from Uswitch, the comparison and switching service, found that two-thirds (66%) of UK parents support the proposed changes.
Almost two-fifths (37%) of UK parents strongly agree with the proposed two-hour daily social media limit for children, and a further 29% somewhat support the proposal.
When asked about their child’s daily social media use, more than one in five parents (21%) believe their child spends between one and three hours a day on these platforms, while an additional 12% spend three or more hours per day online.
Uswitch’s research also shows that UK parents are interested in keeping their children safe online. Monthly keyword searches were analyzed using Keyword Tool and reveal that over 1,900 searches occur every month for ‘apps for parental control’.
With a two-hour usage cap in consideration, the secretary believes that parents may feel “disempowered” when it comes to helping their children make healthier online habits.
While almost three-quarters (73%) of UK parents are confident in managing their children’s social media use, almost one in five (19%) aren’t confident managing their child’s use of social media. 7% of parents also disclosed that they don’t manage their children’s social media use at all.
According to parents surveyed, the leading challenge is the difficulty in monitoring or supervising their children’s use of social media, with over a third (35%) citing this as a top concern. 32% of parents also struggle with resistance from children when it comes to limiting their use.
Max Beckett, broadband expert at Uswitch, explains the important role of the internet and home wifi tools, which help to support healthier online habits, particularly when it comes to social media:
“Beyond settings which can be changed directly in social media platforms, parents can also place certain controls through their broadband provider. Many Wi-Fi routers include features such as family filters to block inappropriate content, the ability to plan connectivity hours, or even the option to set access for specific devices like tablets, consoles, or laptops.
“We know from our research that 32% of parents struggle to monitor social media use as their children have access to multiple devices or accounts, and it’s not just social media parents need to think about. Keeping tabs on YouTube, streaming platforms, and gaming services can be just as time-consuming, and they’re often accessed on shared family devices. Broadband-level controls allow parents to manage these platforms consistently, whether they’re being used on a phone, computer, or games console.”
While the government discusses a potential two-house usage cap, over one in five (21%) parents are unsure what reasonable screen time is, which makes setting limits at home increasingly difficult. 14% also cited a lack of knowledge around the apps and platforms in use, reflecting the need for greater education and awareness of social media today.
Max shares his practical tips for parents on managing social media use:
1. Have open conversations: The first step to avoiding resistance from young family members is to have a calm discussion around what they enjoy out of their time online, allowing space for children to help set their boundaries with your support. Share your concerns openly and focus on the positive impact of managing their social media use together.
2. Set boundaries: Finding the balance is one of the hardest parts of monitoring your children’s social media usage. Start by agreeing on daily limits and creating screen-free zones like the dinner table and before bed. It may also be helpful to model this behaviour yourself, so be mindful of your scrolling habits to show you’re aligned as a family on your approach to social media.
3. Make the most of your broadband’s parental controls: Your internet provider will have its own set of unique safety features which help to give you autonomy over your family’s screen time. This will give you peace of mind knowing the controls you add will apply no matter what device your child is using.
4. Be flexible: One size does not fit all when it comes to striking the balance of social media use. Regularly review limits set on your children as they grow, and try allowing them to set their own limits to feel empowered by their online choices. Consider allowing more time for special occasions or adapting rules during downtime like the school holidays.
For more advice on parental controls, visit Uswitch.
