**Children’s Screen Time Set to Surge Over Summer Holidays, Study Warns**
Children across the UK are forecast to spend up to four hours per day online during the school summer holidays, according to new research. This represents a dramatic 42% increase compared to the structured routine of term time, raising pressing concerns among parents about digital safety and wellbeing.
The survey, commissioned by Vodafone and conducted amongst parents of children aged 8 to 17, sheds light on why internet use is set to balloon in the coming weeks. Among the top reasons cited were the need to stay in touch with friends (40%), a lack of scheduled activities (37%), and more time spent travelling or on long journeys (24%) during the long break from school.
While digital devices have long been a source of amusement, entertainment and connection for young people, the rise in what experts call ‘unstructured screen time’—using devices without a specific educational or creative purpose—has left many parents uneasy. The research found that 80% of parents harbour anxieties about keeping their children safe online over the holidays, with 75% nervous about the longer-term impact of excessive screen time.
These concerns are varied and significant. According to the findings, 65% of parents worry specifically about device use during the school holidays, rather than throughout the year. Issues surrounding the potential impact on children’s sleep were highlighted by 29%, while 28% were troubled about possible negative effects on mental health and 26% feared exposure to harmful or inappropriate online content. Additionally, a quarter of respondents expressed concerns that their children could lose interest in outdoor play as a result of prolonged use of technology.
In response to the growing challenge, Vodafone is collaborating with Digital Awareness UK to offer practical guidance to families. Their aim is to help parents navigate the digital landscape, understand the risks and create healthy boundaries around device usage. Emma Robertson, CEO of Digital Awareness UK, commented: “Whilst screens can provide children with a means of entertainment during the holidays, the lack of structure can lead to greater risk of exposure to online harm and potentially cultivate unhealthy digital habits. This is an opportunity for families to talk openly about technology and build balanced, safe routines for the summer.”
The same research highlighted parents’ desire for enhanced tools and support. Half of those surveyed said they would feel more comfortable with their children’s device use if stronger protections were in place, both at home and when children are out. Thirty-seven percent wanted more user-friendly tools to help manage screen time, and a third said they needed better advice and resources to keep their children safe online.
To address these issues, Vodafone has announced a significant revamp of its Secure Net digital security service. Later this summer, the company will introduce new features including ‘focus time’ to reduce distractions, the ability to pause the internet and disconnect devices, a bedtime mode, and customisable content filters to block unwanted material. Importantly, these controls will now apply for both mobile and WiFi connections, providing seamless protection wherever the family connects.
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer at Vodafone, noted: “There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to developing healthy digital habits in the home. Our research clearly indicates a need for more guidance and advanced tools, which is why we are investing in technology that puts greater control in the hands of parents.”
Vodafone and Digital Awareness UK have also published a comprehensive online guide, offering parents practical tips for setting boundaries, starting conversations about online safety, and identifying potential risks specific to the summer months. The guide is aimed at empowering families to enjoy digital technology confidently and responsibly while avoiding the pitfalls of excessive or unmonitored use.
For more detailed tips and to learn about these new digital safety features, parents are encouraged to visit Vodafone’s safety resources online. As the school holidays get underway, this collaborative push towards online wellbeing and vigilance could help ensure that children enjoy a fun, stimulating and—above all—safe summer, both on and offline.