Nearly quarter of children spend more than four hours a day on devices – poll
The Children’s Commissioner for England has called for ‘stronger action’ to protect young people from harmful content online.
Nearly a quarter of children spend more than four hours a day on an internet-enabled device, a survey for the Children’s Commissioner has suggested.
Dame Rachel de Souza has called for “stronger action” to protect children from harmful content online beyond the classroom – including a possible social media ban for children under 16, or restricting smartphone use for all children.
Parents need support in managing their children’s online activities and setting “appropriate boundaries” as part of a “whole-society approach” to keeping young people safe, the Children’s Commissioner for England has said.
A YouGov poll, of 502 children in England aged eight to 15, found that 23% spend more than four hours a day using an internet-enabled device with a screen – such as a computer, phone, tablet or gaming console.
One in four (25%) spend two to three hours a day on such a device, while a fifth (20%) spend three to four hours a day, according to the survey which was carried out in March and April.
Schools in England were given non-statutory Government guidance in February last year intended to stop the use of phones during the school day.
