Tech snub kids more likely to suffer online
Effect of parents always on phone
83% more negative emotions felt by youngsters who spend the most time on social media
64% more likely that gamers will have poor sleep or have dropped out of sports or exercise
The pandemic has had a big effect on kids’ experiences CAROLYN BUNTING AS REPORT IS PUBLISHED
CHILDREN whose parents are always on their phone are three times more likely to have bad experiences online than those whose parents give them their full attention, a probe has found.
It also suggests kids who spend the most time on social media suffer 83% more negative emotions, such as anxiety and self-doubt, rising to 108% more for girls.
And youngsters who spend the most time gaming are 64% more likely to have poor sleep or drop out of sports or exercise.
Researchers found children whose parents are more aware of what their kids are up to online get more of the positives from technology. Youngsters at the other end of the scale are more likely to carry out destructive behaviour and be bullied or groomed online.
Carolyn Bunting, chief executive of Internet Matters, the organisation which is behind the probe, said:
“The pandemic has had a big effect on children’s experiences and it is good to know children whose parents are on the same page as their kids around digital concerns are benefitting most from the online world.”
It is the first time children and parents from the same household have been surveyed to find out how digital technology affects wellbeing.
The study is based on work by Leicester University which included talking to 1,000 children aged nine to 15.
The report says vulnerable kids were much more likely to feel bad about themselves as a result of digital interactions.
Internet Matters has created an index to measure youngsters’ digital wellbeing and has produced a personalised online safety toolkit with age-specific advice to help parents support their kids online.
The Mirror last month launched the Keep Kids Safe Online campaign.
We are calling on the Government to strengthen the Online Safety Bill amid concern at how children are being bullied and exploited online.