With children themselves expressing concerns about their digital habits, families are being urged by CyberSafeKids to reduce children’s near constant connectivity, which is disrupting sleep quality, affecting concentration and learning, and increasing their exposure to online risks.
New research by the online safety charity reveals that 83% of primary school children (8-12 years) have access to internet-connected devices in their bedrooms, with 63% allowed to have them overnight. Boys were significantly more likely than girls to both use devices in their bedrooms (89% vs. 79%) and to keep them there overnight (79% vs. 58%).
The research which was published to coincide with CyberBreak 2025 last Friday – a 24-hour break from the online world – reveals that screen time is dominating key parts of children’s waking hours: 56% of children go online straight after school, 39% use devices just before falling asleep, and 11% reach for them first thing in the morning.
And children themselves expressed concerns about their digital habits: almost half (48%) acknowledged they spend too much time online, 30% feel they waste a lot of time online, and 24% find it hard to switch off their devices, apps and games. Despite frequent use, only 27% believe that being online is mostly a good thing for them.
“While the benefits of technology are increasingly seen through digital mental health supports and innovations, the distraction and harm caused by constant social media use is undoubted. Taking a CyberBreak gives us an opportunity to take a step back and address how we can find a healthy balance between our online and offline lives, whatever your age,” Derek Chambers, Policy Lead, National Mental Health, HSE said.
