Seven in ten Irish parents say social media and screen use is causing tension in their homes, according to a new survey.
Research by iReach Insights found that 70% of parents say social media and screen use causes tension in their household, with 14% describing it as causing “a lot” of tension.
The survey also found that 62% of parents would feel relieved if a ban on social media for under-16s meant they no longer had to police their child’s social media use, with 28% saying it would bring them significant relief.
Overall, 85% of parents said they support a social media ban for under-16s in Ireland, while 57% strongly support the idea.
However, support drops when parents are asked specifically about their own children.
Just 32% said they would support a ban for their own child under the age of 16, with 18% saying they would strongly support it.
The research also found that many parents have not yet discussed the proposed ban with their children.
Only 32% said they had spoken to their child about it, while just 9% had discussed it in detail.
When asked how they believe their own child would describe their relationship with social media, 31% of parents said they think their child would see their use as somewhat excessive but manageable.
Meanwhile, 25% believe their child would describe their relationship with social media as healthy or not a problem.
Parents were also asked who they trust most to protect children from the potential harms of social media.
Parents themselves came out on top, with 39% saying they trust parents most, compared with 13% who put more trust in social media platforms and just 7% who trust the Government or regulators most.
The survey also found that school restrictions on phones may already be having an impact.
More than half of parents, 51%, said school phone bans or restrictions have improved their child’s wellbeing, focus or social interactions, with 26% saying they had noticed a significant difference.
Oisín Byrne, CEO and co-founder of iReach Insights, said the findings show that the issue is already affecting families on a daily basis.
“Parents are telling us that managing social media has become a source of tension within the family, and many would welcome greater support in helping children develop healthier online habits,” he said.
