A new study from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found there is a pressing need to address the challenges faced by parents when it comes to their children's online safety.
The research highlights the complexities and risks associated with children's digital technology use.
The review found that while there are many benefits, some types of social media and gaming can harm wellbeing, and these effects are shaped by socioeconomic factors, the child's gender, developmental stage, and cultural and social context.
According to the study, parents are often considered the first, last, and strongest line of defence for their children’s online safety but they face digital risks themselves, including device overuse.
"Effective parenting strategies involve active mediation, setting clear rules and boundaries, and modelling appropriate behaviour," the research found.
"Overreliance on technical controls can be counterproductive and harm the parent-child relationship," according to the study.
The research emphasises the need for coordinated efforts from parents, schools, digital technology companies, and governments, in order to protect children online.
"Policymakers could consider regulations for robust age verification and standardised content reporting mechanisms to better protect children from harmful digital environments and promote safer online spaces," the report found.
"Our review suggests there is an urgent need for better research to more accurately measure the impact of digital technologies on children’s wellbeing and what can be done to mitigate the risks," said the report’s lead author Dr Celine Fox.
"Digital technologies evolve rapidly, so the true extent of the challenges faced by parents and children in the digital era is likely not yet fully understood," Dr Fox said.
The research involved an international literature review, conducted by the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit.
It was commissioned BlockW, a not-for-profit organisation committed to closing Ireland’s gender gap in tech and digital.
"As digital technologies reshape childhood, parents need greater support to guide safe online behaviour," said BlockW Chair and Co-Founder Professor Joyce O’Connor.
"Online safety needs to be a shared responsibility across families, schools, platforms, and policymakers and not a burden parents carry alone."
"This study is a vital first step, further research is essential to inform and develop how best to reach parents with effective, evidence-informed solutions," Prof O'Connor said.
