Parental controls play a vital role in protecting children online, yet a new study finds they are often underused. As more devices and digital platforms emerge in family homes, experts urge both parents and the tech industry to make online safety a top priority. The latest study from the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) offers insights into current trends and highlights areas where families can improve online safety practices.
Why Parental Controls Remain Underutilized on Devices
Despite the wide availability of parental controls, adoption rates remain low across households. According to FOSI’s research, only about half of parents use these controls on tablets. Usage drops further for other devices:
- 47% of parents activate parental controls on smartphones.
- 46% do so on desktops.
- Only 35% use them on game consoles.
FOSI’s CEO, Stephen Balkam, urges the industry to make these tools more accessible and user-friendly. Most notably, the study suggests that stronger parental controls are linked to lower screen time among children—underscoring their significance.
Screen Time, Social Media, and Parents’ Primary Concerns
Screen time and social media use remain key issues. Both parents and children rank social media as the top screen time concern. Interestingly, parents are much more worried about online risks than their children. Key findings reveal:
- Parents of boys tend to limit video game play more than social media.
- Parents of girls often restrict social media activity specifically.
- Kids worry more about online scams, while parents focus on threats like inappropriate content and misinformation.
The study also notes a gap between what children actually do online and what parents believe they do, highlighting the need for better communication.
Rising Need for Digital Literacy and Open Family Dialogue
As generative AI becomes more common, digital literacy is a growing challenge. The study found that both parents and children struggle to tell the difference between real and AI-generated images, with only 9% able to correctly identify all of them. However, there is good news: 89% of children feel comfortable seeking help from their parents if they feel unsafe online. This underscores the importance of open dialogue and family discussion for digital wellbeing.
In summary, the FOSI study shows that while parental controls are available, they are not used to their full potential. Concerns about screen time and social media continue to drive online safety conversations. Importantly, strong family communication and improved digital literacy are essential steps toward safer internet experiences for children.
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