Latest news with #digitalWellbeing
BreakingNews.ie
19-06-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Parents need greater support to guide safe online behaviour for children, report says
Parents need greater support to guide safe online behaviour as digital technologies reshape childhood, a report has concluded. The Economic and Social Research Institute (Esri) research, commissioned by BlockW, highlights the complexities and risks associated with children's digital technology use. Advertisement It found that school-aged children and adolescents are spending more time online than ever before. An international literature review, conducted by the Esri's Behavioural Research Unit, explores the impact of digital technology on children's wellbeing, the challenges faced by parents, and potential public health interventions. The review reveals that while digital technologies offer numerous benefits, such as access to information, educational tools, and social connection, they also pose risks to the wellbeing of children and adolescents. The researchers have called for the need for effective policies to protect children online, guided by a thorough understanding of when and how digital technologies cause harm. Advertisement The report found that digital technologies can offer benefits for children, including opportunities for social connection, learning, creativity, exploration, seeking support, and play. However, some types of social media and gaming can harm wellbeing. These effects are shaped by socioeconomic factors, the child's gender, developmental stage, and cultural and social context. Parents are often considered the first, last, and strongest line of defence for their children's online safety, the report stated. Advertisement Yet, they face digital risks themselves, including device overuse. The report said that effective parenting strategies involve active mediation, setting clear rules and boundaries, and modelling appropriate behaviour. Over-reliance on technical controls can be counterproductive and harm the parent-child relationship, it added. Ensuring children's online safety requires coordinated efforts from parents, schools, digital technology companies, and governments. Advertisement Policymakers could consider regulations for robust age verification and standardised content reporting mechanisms to better protect children from harmful digital environments and promote safer online spaces. Dr Celine Fox, lead author on the report, said: 'Our review suggests there is an urgent need for better research to more accurately measure the impact of digital technologies on children's wellbeing and what can be done to mitigate the risks. 'Digital technologies evolve rapidly, so the true extent of the challenges faced by parents and children in the digital era is likely not yet fully understood.' Ireland Children as young as eight exposed to 'disturbing... Read More Professor Joyce O'Connor, chairwoman and co-founder of BlockW, said: 'As digital technologies reshape childhood, parents need greater support to guide safe online behaviour. Advertisement 'Online safety needs to be a shared responsibility across families, schools, platforms, and policymakers and not a burden parents carry alone. 'This study is a vital first step – further research is essential to inform and develop how best to reach parents with effective, evidence-informed solutions.'
Khaleej Times
19-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Meta launches new teen accounts for Instagram users under 16
Teenagers in the UAE will now have 'teen accounts' as Meta announced the launch on June 19, a move that aims to help adolescents stay safe and give parents peace of mind. Teen accounts will give users the most protective content and offer privacy settings by default to provide safer, more age-appropriate online experiences. Built with input from parents, psychologists, and safety experts, Instagram teen accounts introduce a set of built-in protections that limit who can contact teens, the content they can see, and how much time they spend on the platform. Teens under 16 will automatically be placed into teen accounts and will need parental or guardian approval to change any of the protective settings to be less strict. The announcement comes as part of Meta's broader commitment to supporting digital wellbeing and online safety, especially among younger users in the region.
Entrepreneur
14-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur UK's London 100: Young Minds App
Young Minds App is an AI-driven, gamified platform that empowers kids, supports parents, and evolves with the digital age Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Industry: Mental Health The future of childhood is now. Young Minds App is an AI-driven, gamified platform that empowers kids, supports parents, and evolves with the digital age: Learn online safety through interactive challenges Develop healthier screen time habits by earning more digital freedom as they show responsibility Recognise online risks and make smarter choices — without needing constant parental intervention A movement, not just an app — 230,000+ parents strong, Young Minds App is tackling the global online safety crisis with AI-driven solutions.
The Guardian
20-05-2025
- The Guardian
Tell us: how long do you spend looking at a screen?
We're interested in finding out more about people's screen time experiences and how long they spend looking at them. How long do you spend looking at your phone, TV and laptop every day? Do you ever worry that it's far too long or are friends actually often surprised by how little screen time you have? Which apps or sites take up most of your time and why? Do you set limits on certain apps when using your phone? What effect, if any, do they have? You can tell us how much time you spend looking at a screen by filling in the form below or messaging us. Please include as much detail as possible Please include as much detail as possible Please include as much detail as possible Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you include other people's names please ask them first. Contact us on WhatsApp or Signal at +447766780300. For more information, please see our guidance on contacting us via WhatsApp, For true anonymity please use our SecureDrop service instead. If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.
