The digital world is a complex place for kids. While it offers incredible opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, it also presents significant risks. A new report from Internet Matters, the UK’s leading online safety non-profit, paints a concerning picture of the challenges children face online.
The “Children’s Wellbeing in a Digital World” Index for 2025 reveals some alarming trends:
- Online harm remains stubbornly high: Two-thirds of children report experiencing some form of online harm, including exposure to false information, contact by strangers, and violent content.
- Children are feeling less resilient: More children are choosing to avoid certain online platforms due to negative experiences, suggesting they may be feeling less able to cope with online challenges.
- Harms are having a greater impact: Both children and parents report that online harm is becoming more upsetting and distressing.
- Concerns about screen time are growing: Nearly 40% of parents believe excessive time online is negatively affecting their child’s physical and mental health.
However, the report also highlights some positive developments:
- Parents are becoming more aware: They are increasingly engaged in their children’s online activities and taking steps to manage their screen time.
- The benefits still outweigh the negatives: Children continue to see the internet as an important tool for learning, creativity, and social connection.
What can we do?
This report is a wake-up call. We need to work together to create a safer online environment for children. Here are some key takeaways:
- Open communication is key: Talk to your children about their online experiences, both good and bad. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything upsetting.
- Set clear boundaries: Establish rules around screen time and online behavior. Use parental controls and tools to help manage your child’s online activity.
- Teach critical thinking: Help children develop the skills to evaluate information online and identify false or misleading content.
- Support online safety initiatives: Back organizations like Internet Matters that are working to make the internet a safer place for children.
As an education technology vendor, Ativion is committed to developing state-of-the-art solutions that help schools navigate the complexities of online learning environments. Our focus is on creating tools that enhance student safety, improve classroom management, and optimize the digital learning experience.
Here’s how Ativion is making a difference in schools:
- Enhanced online safety: Our advanced web filtering solutions protect students from harmful content and cyber-bullying, while also providing valuable insights into their online activity.
- Improved classroom management: Our innovative tools help teachers manage digital classrooms effectively, minimize distractions, and keep students focused on learning.
- Optimized digital learning: We provide solutions that support personalized learning, enhance collaboration, and promote digital citizenship.
- Parental Device Management: Our IntelliKeeper solution provides parents with real-time insights into their child’s usage of school-owned devices and manage internet access at home on that device.
Our commitment to innovation:
At Ativion, we believe that technology should empower educators and enhance the learning experience for all students. That’s why we are constantly innovating and developing new solutions to meet the evolving needs of K-12 schools.
Partnering with schools for success:
We understand that every school is unique. That’s why we work closely with our partners to understand their specific needs and tailor our solutions accordingly. Our goal is to provide schools with the tools and support they need to create safe, engaging, and productive online learning environments.
Read the full report from Internet Matters here: https://www.internetmatters.org/digital-wellbeing-research-programme/
