Over half of children have no parental restrictions around online contact such as chatting and gaming with people they don't know.
This is exposing them to risks of engaging with strangers.
Nearly a quarter of parents say they “wouldn’t know where to begin" with parental controls on apps for their children.
On Safer Internet Day, CyberSafeKids have released a new study showing gaps in parental guidance around online safety and privacy.
Just 39 percent of 8–12 year olds say their parents can “check, monitor, or control” what they do online, leaving many exposed to inappropriate content or contact from strangers.
The findings, based on survey responses from more than 3,300 primary school children and over 1,700 parents, show that children are highly active online.
93 percent of this age group go online to game or use apps, often using platforms designed for older users.
Despite regulatory requirements introduced in Ireland in July 2025, 69 percent of 8–12 year-olds have at least one account on a social media platform with a legal age rating of 13+ – with prevalence rising to 79 percent for 12-year-olds.
21 percent of the children surveyed have some accounts set as ‘public’, while 17 percent report having ‘friends’ or followers they do not know offline.
To mark Safer Internet Day 2026, CyberSafeKids has launched its fifth ‘Same Rules Apply’ parental awareness campaign.
Supported by the HSE and Accenture, the campaign empowers parents with the essential knowledge and tools they need to keep their children safe online.
While most parents said they set rules and limits around screen time and online activity, almost half admit that “they’re not always enforced”.
Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids, said: “Our research shows many children are navigating complex online spaces largely alone, with little meaningful parental oversight. They are using platforms not designed for their age or safety, often sharing photos and videos without understanding who can see them or how far they can spread.
"Without clear guidance, children may overshare — and with the rise of nudification tools and “AI girlfriend” apps, their content can be altered and misused, putting them at serious risk.
"Parents cannot manage this alone and urgently need stronger, effective regulation to help keep children safe online.”
