The Cyber Safety Project has released its 2024 “Teens and Screens” report, providing critical insights into the online habits of Australian kids in 2024. The report, which surveyed 5,145 students from 22 secondary schools across the nation, highlights both promising trends and areas of concern in how young people interact with technology.
ONLINE HABITS OF AUSTRALIAN KIDS IN 2024: KEY FINDINGS
SMARTPHONE OWNERSHIP AND USAGE
An overwhelming 94% of students own a smartphone, with usage increasing significantly with age. While 89% of Year 7 students have a smartphone, this figure rises to 99% by Year 12. 29% of students use their devices for more than four hours daily outside of learning time, with this trend also increasing with age.
DIGITAL BALANCE AND SLEEP
59% of students have no restrictions on taking their devices into their bedrooms overnight, which negatively impacts sleep quality. However, there has been a reduction in this behaviour compared to previous years, indicating growing awareness of the importance of digital balance.
ONLINE GAMING AND INTERACTION
Online gaming is popular, with 75% of students participating. Gaming tends to be more popular among younger students, particularly in Years 7 and 8. 69% of gamers have spent longer playing than intended, reflecting the addictive nature of online games. Furthermore, 81% have played with strangers, raising concerns about online safety.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
39% of students have used AI tools like ChatGPT to support their learning. However, 27% view using such tools as a form of cheating, indicating a need for clearer guidance on ethical usage.
HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR
When facing online issues, 44% of students would first turn to a parent for help, while 50% would confide in a peer. This emphasises the vital role parents play in digital guidance.
PRIVACY AND ONLINE SAFETY
Only 10% of students have posted photos in school uniforms online, showing awareness of privacy concerns. Yet, 21% have public profiles, highlighting a need for better education on privacy settings.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
Be the first point of contact for your child when they encounter online challenges, and ensure they know it’s safe to seek help from trusted adults. Use our Readiness Check to determine if your child is ready to independently manage their own mobile phone, tablet or laptop.
ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES
Establish clear rules for device use, especially before bedtime, to promote healthier digital habits and improve sleep quality. Try our Digital Balance Challenge to help young people in your home develop balanced habits and use our Family Digital Use Agreement to set shared guidelines for when, where, and how technology is used by everyone in the family.
ENGAGE IN CONVERSATIONS
Talk openly with your child about their online experiences, including the risks of online gaming and interactions with strangers. Start the chat today with our Conversation Checklist.
EDUCATE ON RESPONSIBLE AI USE
Guide your child on the ethical use of AI tools in learning and highlight the importance of original work. Learn how to protect them from potential risks by discovering what parents need to know about AI and Deepfakes
ENHANCE DIGITAL LITERACY
Guide your child to use privacy settings on social media and understand the impact of sharing personal information online. Establish a proactive plan with our First Phone Agreement to help manage their new device and improve your home’s cyber security with our easy Cyber Security at Home Guide, full of practical steps you can implement today.
WHAT CAN SCHOOLS DO?
REFLECT
Take time to assess your school’s unique cyber safety needs and consider implementing a Digital Habits Survey to gather insights directly from your community. These insights will guide tailored strategies for enhancing cyber safety and digital wellbeing across your school.
REVIEW
Conduct a thorough review of your school’s existing cyber safety policies and programs to ensure they are current and relevant. Update documentation to reflect the latest digital trends and the specific needs of your community.
COMMUNICATE
Encourage open dialogue on cyber safety from the start, helping students feel comfortable discussing online challenges. Use tools like our Conversation Checklist and Emotions Cards to facilitate classroom and family discussions on digital wellbeing.
ROLE MODEL
Demonstrate balanced, responsible technology use to set a positive example for students. Establish clear expectations with tools like the Digital Use Agreement and Digital Balance Challenge to support healthy tech habits.
EDUCATE
Provide proactive, continuous cyber safety education to everyone in your community. Engage students with structured lessons, and equip educators with professional learning to deepen their impact on online safety education.
PROMOTE
Share resources on safe technology use and encourage seeking help when needed by promoting trusted support services, like eSafety and Kids Helpline. Display these resources in visible areas to ensure accessibility for all community members.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
To further explore the online habits of Australian kids in 2024, our “Teens and Screens” report is a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking to support young people in navigating the complexities of the online world safely and responsibly. For more information, please contact: [email protected]
