Three quarters of 8-9 year olds in the UK have posted a picture of themselves online
New survey of primary aged children looks at their internet habits and how they interact with the digital world
A new survey of more than 37,000 primary school children has lifted the lid on the online habits of 5-11 year olds in the UK
The Natterhub Report looks at the feelings and experiences of their lives online, on issues like gaming and communication, sharing information and screen time.
It found 3/4 children between the ages of eight and nine had posted a picture of themselves online, while more than half admitted to using a device when they weren't supposed to.
Cyberbullying a prominent problem online
The data also showed how prominent an issue bullying remains on the internet for young people.
- Three quarters of 9-10 year olds reported knowing someone who had been trolled online
- More than half of 10-11 year olds said they'd seen or experienced cyberbullying
- 53% of 9-10 year olds said tech had made them feel sad, lonely, worried, or angry
- 80% of 7-8 year olds felt pressured or anxious online
When asked about their behaviour online, 60% of 10-11 year olds believe they can share anything online "so long as no-one finds out."
Ignoring age restrictions on video games
The data, which was gathered over the last school year to Sept 2022, found a growing number of children were viewing content that was never designed for them to see; being exposed to online peer pressures that may affect self-confidence and wellbeing or were unsure of expectations and boundaries.
- 57% of 7-8 year olds play games with higher age restriction, and over half of 10-11 year olds ignore PEGI ratings
- 26% of 5-6 year olds and 47% of 8-9 year olds don’t have any screen-time rules
- Over 70% of 9-10 year olds say they are distracted by technology, and over half of 7-8 year olds have forgotten important things because of being online.
Safer Internet Day 2023
Natterhub released the findings ahead of Safer Internet Day to encourage schools, pupils and parents to open up conversations about life online, and spotting online harms
Co-founder Caroline Allams, a former Assistant Headteacher, said: “It's our mission to address the key issues raised in this report through a teacher-parent-pupil approach.
"It's not just about teaching an online safety curriculum in school, but empowering parents to help their child navigate the dangers and become safe and kind digital citizens.
"With internet safety being discussed in the media more than ever, there is no time to waste; now is the time to pay close attention to the data, take action, and provide support where children need it most".