Campaigners call for action as majority of children admit to spending too much time online

Campaigners have warned of the “digital destruction of childhood” if more is not done to protect children online.

It comes as a survey by Young Scot found 84 per cent of children and young people aged between 11 and 25 admitted they spent too much time online.

The responses also revealed being online was preventing them from getting on with offline life, with 43 per saying it stopped them sleeping or resting, 36 per cent said it limited time spent being active or playing outside, and 35 per cent said it stopped them spending time with family.

Children First, who commissioned the survey, has written to First Minister John Swinney and the leaders of the opposition parties at Holyrood urging them to act within the first 100 days of this new parliament.

The charity is calling stronger regulation of online spaces, improved support and advice for parents and caregivers, and investment in offline alternatives including spaces for children be play, be creative and participate in sport.

Chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “Without more urgent and sustained action across all sectors Scotland risks sleepwalking into the digital destruction of childhood. Increasingly digital devices are being placed in children’s hands before they are ready – not just children and teenagers but also babies and toddlers.”

She added that a ban on social media access for under 16s, as has been under consideration by the UK Government, would “only ever be a small part of the answer”.

Ministers have ruled out an Australian-style blanket ban but have pledged to take action to restrict social media use, though has yet to set out the details. It is expected to do so within the next few weeks.

A consultation, which closed this week, sought views on a range of measures from curfews and limiting app functionality to a full ban. 

Glasgow continued: “At Children First we are committing to do everything we can to protect children from online harm by campaigning for a public health approach that includes stronger regulation, delayed access to devices, better advice and support for parents and caregivers and investment in play, creativity and sport so children have real alternatives to being online. 

“Together, we can reclaim childhood and make sure it is protected and celebrated at every stage.”

Preventing online harm to children is one of the charity’s seven strategic priorities for the next five years.

One 10-year-old girl who spoke to the Children First said having a phone had “ruined my time as a child”.

She said: “I still go outside but not as much. Whenever I ask friends to do stuff, they are either busy or on their phones too much – a friend once had 16 hours [on their phone]. When you get off your phone you realise there are so many things you can do.”