With the school summer holidays in full swing, family routines are shifting. For many, that can naturally lead to more screen time. In fact, Vodafone UK’s latest research reveals a 42% increase in unstructured online time during the holidays compared to term time.
But what’s driving this rise? Staying connected with friends (40%), fewer scheduled activities (37%) and long journeys (24%) all play a part.
More time online, however, often means more worry for parents, with 65% saying they’re more concerned about device use over the summer. Meanwhile, 75% are worried about the long-term effects of too much screen time.
That’s why Vodafone has partnered with Digital Awareness UK (DAUK) to launch a practical guide covering 30 digital risks that tend to spike during the summer – from online safety and privacy to mental wellbeing and social pressure.
It’s packed with tips to help you start meaningful conversations with your children and set healthy digital boundaries that work for your family.
Online safety and privacy risks:
1. Oversharing personal information on social media or gaming platforms
2. Increased exposure to online predators through chat apps or games
3. Falling for phishing scams or fake giveaways
4. Accidental downloads of malware or spyware
5. Using unsecured public WiFi for sensitive activities
DAUK’s advice:
Online privacy risks and threats are growing faster than ever. As young people face dangers such as scams and identity theft, it’s essential that they learn to navigate digital spaces with a critical mind.
A critical mind helps them recognise dangers, protect their personal information, and keep their data secure. You can support young people by encouraging them: to question what they see; check sources; create strong passwords; and adjust their privacy settings.
Tools like antivirus and internet security software, password managers and parental controls can also help protect them from online threats.
Mental health and wellbeing risks:
6. Excessive screen time leading to sleep disruption
7. Social media comparison causing low self-esteem
8. Cyberbullying or online harassment
9. Exposure to harmful content (e.g. self-harm, eating disorders)
10. Digital addiction or compulsive use of apps/games
DAUK’s advice:
Exposure to harmful content or unsafe online interactions can cause significant harm to children’s health and wellbeing. To help protect them, ensure they know they can turn to you for support and guidance, and show them how to block and report harmful content or dangerous individuals.
Additionally, make use of parental controls features on apps, games and devices to block inappropriate content and set healthy screen time limits.
Excessive time on screens, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep and impact overall wellbeing. So, it’s important to establish boundaries, including agreeing on tech-free times and spaces.
Content and media risks:
11. Viewing age-inappropriate content (violence, pornography, etc.)
12. Exposure to misinformation or conspiracy theories
13. Engaging with extremist, radicalising content
14. Unmoderated live streams with unpredictable content
15. Participating in viral challenges that are dangerous or harmful
DAUK’s advice:
Today, spotting misinformation or harmful messaging online is more challenging than ever. Especially when it’s disguised as entertainment or comes from a trusted influencer.
That’s why it’s essential for young people to learn how to recognise harmful individuals and messages, and to approach all content with a critical mindset. Help them build good habits like: fact-checking; looking out for bias; checking where information comes from; and reporting anything that seems a little off or makes them feel uncomfortable.
Ultimately, encourage them to trust their gut. You can also protect them by activating parental controls on the apps, games or devices they use to restrict exposure to harmful, content. Finally, ensure they know they can speak to you, without fear of judgment, should they need to.
Teaching your kids to question what they see online, on TV and in the papers
On Safer Internet Day, we give parents tips on how to protect kids against dodgy TikTok videos, Facebook conspiracy theories, fake news and unreliable social media influencers.
16. In-game purchases leading to unexpected charges
17. Gambling-like mechanics in games (loot boxes etc.)
18. Toxic gaming communities with hate speech or bullying
19. Impersonation or catfishing in multiplayer games
20. Pressure to spend money to keep up with peers
DAUK’s advice:
Gaming can be a fantastic outlet for creativity, problem-solving and teamwork. To help young people enjoy gaming safely and avoid potential risks, it’s important to teach them about common dangers, such as gambling-like features, harassment or bullying, and exposure to inappropriate content.
It’s also key to have safeguards in place to protect them. This could include setting clear boundaries around playtime, discussing responsible gaming habits or using parental control features that allow you to do things like restrict in-app purchases and manage multiplayer interactions.
Social and peer pressure risks:
21. Fear of missing out (FOMO) from constant social updates
22. Pressure to post or perform for likes and validation
23. Being coerced into sexting or sharing explicit images
24. Joining risky group chats or anonymous forums
25. Participating in online dares or risky trends
DAUK’s advice:
Whether they’re feeling pressured to join the latest trend or to share something they’d rather keep private, young people can sometimes be pushed to do or say things they’re not fully comfortable with.
While mistakes are all part of growing up, online, these situations can carry extra risks, particularly for their wellbeing. It’s so important to give young people the space to talk honestly and openly about these pressures, without fear of judgement or blame, and to offer help and guidance when needed.
Remind them that protecting their wellbeing, and having the confidence to say ‘no’ to things that don’t feel okay, is a strength.
Productivity and development risks:
26. Neglecting offline hobbies or physical activity
27. Reduced attention span from constant digital stimulation
28. Disruption of family time or social relationships
29. Avoidance of responsibilities (e.g. chores, summer reading)
30. Loss of routine affecting mental and emotional regulation
DAUK’s advice:
Excessive screen time can not only negatively affect young people’s physical, mental and emotional health or wellbeing – it can also stop them from doing the things that matter in life.
It’s important to set clear boundaries so they can enjoy essential activities away from screens, such as eating, sleeping, exercising and socialising.
The best thing you can do is to model that behaviour yourself, showing them what a healthy relationship with technology looks like.
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