This research explores parents’ and caregivers’ digital parenting practices, including how they feel about their children going online and the strategies they use to help keep their children safe online. It was conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 – one year prior to the implementation of the social media age restrictions. In an increasingly digital world, where online and offline experiences are more intertwined than ever, parents and caregivers play a vital role in supporting children to safely navigate online spaces, even with the social media age restrictions now being in effect.

Key findings

• Parental concerns about the risks of children being online are much more prominent than the perceived benefits.
• Most parents and caregivers (83%) believe they talk openly with their children about online challenges, but some (26%) don’t feel fully aware of their children’s online activities.
• Nearly all parents and caregivers are aware of their children’s use of social media, communication platforms and online games. 
• Many parents and caregivers (58%) feel they struggle to keep their children safe online, although almost as many (46%) believe their children can look after themselves online.
• Almost all parents and caregivers (92%) have rules in place to help their children stay safe online, and many (68%) monitor their child’s online activities to support their online safety. 
• Parents’ and caregivers’ confidence with technology, personal experience of online harm and their own gender may influence their digital parenting practices.

The report concludes with a discussion of how these findings might be used to ensure all parents and caregivers feel confident and equipped to help their children maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of being online.