The Netflix drama Adolescence has inspired more than half of parents to take a tougher stance on online safety, according to a study.
A poll of 500 mums and dads with children aged 8-13 found eight in 10 described the show, which aired almost a year ago, as a wake up call.
As a result, parents have introduced an average of five new rules on social media use, including screen-free time before bed (27 per cent), reviews of privacy settings (25 per cent), and limits on daily screen time (34 per cent).
Others have become firmer on what can be shared online (21 per cent) and what content they can access on social platforms (23 per cent).
And in the year since it debuted, 63 per cent who watched the show admitted they are now far more vigilant about what their kids do online.
Miles Norman, UK & I general manager for Motorola, which commissioned the research to mark Safer Internet Day (10th February), said: “This research shows how quickly the digital world is changing for families.
“Many parents feel they’re navigating situations they never faced at the same age.
“That’s why setting clear boundaries matters, but so does creating an open and honest dialogue with children, so they feel comfortable coming to you when something doesn’t seem right.
“With the right support, families can build healthier habits and safer experiences online.”
The study has also annually tracked parents' and children's opinions when it comes to smartphones, with 56 per cent of mums and dads still feeling pressured to give their child a smartphone from a young age.
For 53 per cent, this pressure came from not wanting them to feel left out socially, which has increased by nine per cent since last year.
But 34 per cent thought it might help them develop independence and responsibility, and 21 per cent just didn’t want to hear any more complaints from their child about not having one.
It also emerged 46 per cent of those who felt they had to relent and get their child a smartphone did so during primary school, when children are aged between seven-11.
Although more than one in 20 (seven per cent) started to feel an obligation when children were just started school – as young as four or five.
Exploring the views of their children, the research found 55 per cent of them think they know more about smartphones than their parents do.
And 63 per cent are confident they could get around anything their parents put in place to limit screen time or disable access to certain apps.
Now, 57 per cent have accessed the internet or certain apps without their guardians knowing, which has increased by 13 per cent in the last 12 months, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
While 41 per cent have been sent, or come across, pictures or videos they felt they were too young to have seen, growing by 10 per cent year-on-year.
The study also explored parents' understanding of ‘Finsta’, which is a secondary, often private Instagram account used to share more candid or unfiltered content with a close circle of friends, and revealed 23 per cent are unaware of this.
But 64 per cent are worried these accounts could expose children to harmful content and 60 per cent believe they could increase their contact with strangers.
And 59 per cent added they are concerned it means parents are unable to see what content their child is posting or viewing.
Miles Norman, from Motorola, which has produced a series of video guides [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1B3CLWOmOmw] for its Family Space app that provides a simple way to keep control of the access your kids have to apps and websites, added: “Smartphones have become a key part of everyday family life, helping people stay connected and supporting learning and entertainment.
“But as children spend more time online, it’s important that families have simple, practical tools and clear, age-appropriate settings in place to support safer use.”
TOP 10 CHANGES MADE BY PARENTS FOLLOWING ADOLESCENCE
1. Set stricter daily screen-time limits
2. Set age-appropriate content filters
3. Encouraged them to come to an adult if something online feels wrong
4. Had more frequent conversations about online safety and risks
5. Reduced overall time spent online in favour of offline activities
6. Introduced device-free times (e.g., before bed, during meals)
7. Reviewed privacy settings across apps and platforms
8. Had more explicit conversations about online pressure, bullying or harmful content
9. Removed certain apps or platforms
10. Started using or tightened parental controls
