Technology Awareness

With Christmas over and presents unwrapped, many children will have received new devices, whether that’s an iPad, laptop or mobile phone. Technology can be a powerful tool, helping children learn, relax and stay connected with friends. However, it can also bring risks that children may not yet be ready to recognise or manage on their own. 

In the UK, the Online Safety Act places duties on providers to regulate content and take steps to reduce the risk of harm. While this is a positive and important step in improving online safety, it is equally important to recognise that harmful content is not the only issue affecting children’s wellbeing when using technology. 

On 18 December 2025, the Children’s Commissioner for England launched a new online safety guide for parents and carers. The guide aims to help adults better understand the fast-changing digital world and support more open conversations with children about their online lives. The 25-page guide includes practical advice, activities to complete together, and links to further support. Importantly, it is shaped by the real views and experiences of children themselves. 

By listening to children, the guide highlights wider challenges beyond online safety alone. These include technology habits such as endless scrolling, difficulty switching off, peer pressure, changes in mood or behaviour, and whether children feel able to tell someone if something goes wrong. 

Research shows that 69% of children aged 8–15 spend more than two hours a day on screens, with 23% spending over four hours. Children shared that their online and offline worlds are equally important to them. Being online helps them relax, maintain friendships and feel connected—yet many feel that parents and carers do not always understand the importance of these relationships. Some children described feeling addicted to their devices, while others said they would welcome clearer boundaries around phone use. Children with younger siblings felt that additional support is particularly important, as younger children may struggle to recognise or manage their own screen time. 

When asked about artificial intelligence, many children said it feels like a normal part of everyday life. Some enjoy using AI tools for fun, while others expressed concerns that AI could reduce creativity or independent thinking. Interestingly, many children felt confident in spotting AI-generated content and suggested that adults may be more likely to be caught out by it. 

Overall, the report highlights that children often feel adults focus on the negatives of technology without fully understanding the platforms, trends, and experiences that matter most to them. This is why the guide is so valuable. It supports parents and carers to build trust, set boundaries together, and create a safe space for honest conversations without judgement. Children said they understand why limits are sometimes needed, but they value clear explanations and being involved in discussions. 

Children have made it clear that technology plays an important role in their lives and relationships. By listening to them, valuing their perspectives, and recognising both the benefits and pressures of being online, we can offer the right support at the right time. When children feel heard and supported, they are more likely to develop healthy digital habits, speak up when something feels wrong, and navigate the online world with confidence. 

Read the full guide: 
“What I wish my parents or carers knew…” – A guide for parents and carers on managing children’s digital lives 
Children’s Commissioner for England