Internet Matters Pulse

How children spend their time online

Children spend over a day online each week, at 27 hours on average. Across all ages, we see children are regularly engaging in a range of activities online, from messaging on social media platforms to using AI to support with learning. 

Children’s experiences of harm online

77% of children tell us they have experienced at least one online harm. This is an 8% increase from a year ago (71%). 

Parents’ concerns about their children’s experiences

Parents are most concerned about their child spending too much time online, being contacted by strangers and exposure to mis/disinformation which are harms children are most likely to say they have experienced online. These worries are leading to an increasing number of parents supporting bans on social media and smartphones for certain age groups. 

The role of parents

Parents are children’s number one source of information about online safety and where they turn to when things go wrong online. From parental controls to open conversations, parents use a range of knowledge and tools to keep their children safe online. 

Schools and media literacy

Schools play a central role in preparing children with the media literacy skills and knowledge needed to thrive online. This includes being able to critically evaluate information; create and share content responsibly and safely; and awareness and ability to protect yourself from the risks of being online. 

Methodology

• Internet Matters Pulse is a bi-annual nationally representative survey of 1,000 UK children (aged 9-17) and 2,000 UK parents of children aged 3-17.
• The most recent survey was conducted between April 25th – May 13th 2025 by Opinium Research.
• It asks children and parents a range of questions about children’s digital habits, online experiences, parents’ concerns, and approaches to online safety.  
• For further information and insight, please contact Katie Freeman-Tayler, Head of Research and Policy.