I have recently read two reports about children’s use of digital devices: Digital Use and Risk: Online Platform Engagement Among Children Aged 10 to 15 by the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner, and How’s Life for Children in the Digital Age by the OECD. As we move towards a break from school when days are long and our children might negotiate for more screen time, these reports provide important insight as schools and families consider how their children use online platforms and the risks and benefits they may encounter.
Online platforms have become a central part of life for Australian children. The eSafety Commissioner’s report uses data from the Keeping Kids Safe Online survey and describes findings regarding the use of online platforms among 10 to 15 year olds in Australia. Not surprisingly, the survey found that 96% of children had used social media and 86% had played online video games .
Of particular concern is the 71% of children who reported being exposed to online harm , mainly on YouTube and TikTok, but also on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and through text messages. One in four children in the study had personally experienced online hate, where someone said or posted offensive or threatening things about them online; 15% had experienced it in the past 12 months.
The report notes that children use online platforms in different ways. Girls are more likely to use FaceTime, Messenger and text messages, while boys are more likely to have used voice or text chat in a video game or console. Older children are more likely to have used a range of communication platforms. In addition, girls are more likely than boys to report experiences of cyberbullying.
The OECD’s How’s Life for Children in the Digital Age reviewed international data to understand and monitor the wellbeing of children in the digital world. The report found that about 70% of children already have their own smartphone by age 10. Digital technologies provide great opportunities for learning, playing, connecting with friends and developing independence. However, excessive use can negatively impact children’s health, learning and wellbeing. Risks include reduced in-person social connection, exposure to harmful or idealised content, online abuse or bullying, sleep deprivation and decreased physical activity.
The report offers guidance for parents and carers:
- Set clear rules for device use and help children navigate the digital environment.
- Adjust guidelines as children grow—young children need more supervision, while older children benefit from open discussions and more autonomy.
- Reduce screen use in the evenings and keep devices out of bedrooms.
- Establish device-free zones and times, such as at the dinner table, and model healthy habits.
