Two-thirds of UK parents back two-hour social media cap for kids

A new survey indicates that two-thirds of UK parents support proposed government plans to limit children's daily social media use to two hours.

Parental concerns

The research, conducted by Uswitch Broadband, reveals that 66% of UK parents are in favour of introducing a daily social media time cap for children. Of those surveyed, 37% said they "strongly agree" with the proposed two-hour daily limit, while 29% "somewhat support" the proposal. The findings come as the government considers introducing official curfews and usage caps for young people across the country.

According to the survey, more than a fifth of parents (21%) report that their child spends between one and three hours a day using social media platforms, while an additional 12% said their children spend more than three hours per day online. These reported levels of use have contributed to renewed debate on what constitutes 'reasonable' screen time for young people, with 21% of parents saying they are unsure about what is appropriate.

Management challenges

The research highlights the practical difficulties parents encounter in overseeing their children's social media activity. The most common challenge, cited by 35% of respondents, is monitoring or supervising usage. Resistance from children is the second most frequent issue at 32%, followed closely by the challenge of children using multiple devices or accounts, which is also reported by 32% of parents.

Overall, 19% of parents admit they do not feel confident managing their child's social media use, while 7% do not manage it at all. The findings underscore a need for more resources and education to support parents, as indicated by the 14% who expressed uncertainty around the platforms and apps their children were using.

Online safety interests

The interest in online safety tools extends beyond anecdotal evidence; monthly keyword search data shows that over 1,900 searches take place for terms such as 'apps for parental control', reflecting a demand for practical solutions.

With the proposed two-hour usage cap under review, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has stated that parents may feel "disempowered" in helping their children form healthier digital habits. This sentiment is mirrored in the survey results, which show that 73% of parents feel confident in managing their children's social media use, but a significant minority continue to face notable challenges.

Expert advice

Max Beckett, Broadband Expert at Uswitch, commented on the tools available to help parents set boundaries at the network level:

Beyond settings which can be changed directly in social media platforms, parents can also place certain controls through their broadband provider. Many Wi-Fi routers include features such as family filters to block inappropriate content, the ability to plan connectivity hours, or even the option to set access for specific devices like tablets, consoles, or laptops.

He also addressed the complexity of managing use across different types of devices and platforms:

We know from our research that 32% of parents struggle to monitor social media use as their children have access to multiple devices or accounts, and it's not just social media parents need to think about. Keeping tabs on YouTube, streaming platforms, and gaming services can be just as time-consuming, and they're often accessed on shared family devices. Broadband-level controls allow parents to manage these platforms consistently, whether they're being used on a phone, computer, or games console.

To help parents, Beckett suggested practical approaches to managing online activity. He advised, "Have open conversations: The first step to avoiding resistance from young family members is to have a calm discussion around what they enjoy out of their time online, allowing space for children to help set their boundaries with your support. Share your concerns openly and focus on the positive impact of managing their social media use together."

He added, "Set boundaries: Finding the balance is one of the hardest parts of monitoring your children's social media usage. Start by agreeing on daily limits and creating screen-free zones like the dinner table and before bed. It may also be helpful to model this behaviour yourself, so be mindful of your scrolling habits to show you're aligned as a family on your approach to social media."

On leveraging technology tools, Beckett stated, "Make the most of your broadband's parental controls: Your internet provider will have its own set of unique safety features which help to give you autonomy over your family's screen time. This will give you peace of mind knowing the controls you add will apply no matter what device your child is using."

He also advised flexibility, noting, "One size does not fit all when it comes to striking the balance of social media use. Regularly review limits set on your children as they grow, and try allowing them to set their own limits to feel empowered by their online choices. Consider allowing more time for special occasions or adapting rules during downtime like the school holidays."

Looking ahead

The government's consideration of official limits and the support for such measures among parents reflect ongoing concerns about children's digital wellbeing. With a significant proportion of parents still facing uncertainty and practical challenges, the debate is likely to focus on both the effectiveness of proposed regulations and the need for accessible support to help families manage social media use at home.