Most UK parents back plans to cap kids’ social media use

Two thirds of UK parents back government plans for time limits on children's social media use, according to new research from comparison site Uswitch.

The study of 500 parents found broad support for a proposed two-hour daily cap on social media for under-18s. Ministers are considering curfews and time limits as part of a wider review of children's online use.

Uswitch reported that 66% of parents support the suggested limit. Within that group, 37% said they strongly agree with the plan and 29% said they somewhat support it.

The findings highlight pressure on families as they manage children's screen time. The company said concern is rising ahead of the Christmas period, when many households expect new connected devices.

While 37% of parents want to cut their children's screen time over the festive season, 87% said they feel pressure to buy technology gifts. These include tablets, smartwatches, games consoles and televisions.

Daily usage concerns

The survey suggests heavy daily exposure to social platforms among younger users. One in five parents said their child spends between one and three hours per day on social media. A further 12% estimated three hours or more.

Some parents said they are unsure what level of use is appropriate. One in five said they do not know what counts as "reasonable" screen time for children.

Search data collected by Uswitch also points to widespread interest in technical tools. The company said there are more than 1,900 UK searches every month for "apps for parental control". It analysed related keywords such as "screen time limits for kids" and "monitor children's social media".

Confidence gap

The research indicates that many parents feel able to manage social media use, but a significant minority do not. Almost three quarters said they are confident handling their children's activity online.

However, 19% said they are not confident managing their child's use of social media. A further 7% said they do not manage it at all.

Parents identified monitoring as their biggest difficulty. More than a third said supervising their child's use of social platforms is their main challenge.

Other barriers include pushback from children and fragmented usage. Around 32% of parents said they face resistance when they try to enforce limits. The same share cited the use of multiple devices or accounts as a problem.

Some parents also reported gaps in their own knowledge. Fourteen per cent said they lack understanding of the apps and platforms their children use.

Technical controls

Uswitch said interest in broadband-level controls is growing as families look past in-app settings. These tools sit at network level and can cover a range of connected devices in the home.

Max Beckett, Broadband Expert at Uswitch, said basic router settings can give parents wider oversight. He said many routers now offer content filters and scheduling features.

"Beyond settings which can be changed directly in social media platforms, parents can also place certain controls through their broadband provider. Many Wi-Fi routers include features such as family filters to block inappropriate content, the ability to plan connectivity hours, or even the option to set access for specific devices like tablets, consoles, or laptops.

"We know from our research that 32% of parents struggle to monitor social media use as their children have access to multiple devices or accounts, and it's not just social media parents need to think about[1]. Keeping tabs on YouTube, streaming platforms, and gaming services can be just as time-consuming, and they're often accessed on shared family devices. Broadband-level controls allow parents to manage these platforms consistently, whether they're being used on a phone, computer, or games console."

Uswitch also gathered guidance from Beckett on practical steps at home. His comments focus on conversations, limits and use of technical tools.

"Have open conversations: The first step to avoiding resistance from young family members is to have a calm discussion around what they enjoy out of their time online, allowing space for children to help set their boundaries with your support. Share your concerns openly and focus on the positive impact of managing their social media use together," said Beckett.

"Set boundaries: Finding the balance is one of the hardest parts of monitoring your children's social media usage. Start by agreeing on daily limits and creating screen-free zones like the dinner table and before bed. It may also be helpful to model this behaviour yourself, so be mindful of your scrolling habits to show you're aligned as a family on your approach to social media," said Beckett.

"Make the most of your broadband's parental controls: Your internet provider will have its own set of unique safety features which help to give you autonomy over your family's screen time. This will give you peace of mind knowing the controls you add will apply no matter what device your child is using," said Beckett.

"Be flexible: One size does not fit all when it comes to striking the balance of social media use. Regularly review limits set on your children as they grow, and try allowing them to set their own limits to feel empowered by their online choices. Consider allowing more time for special occasions or adapting rules during downtime like the school holidays," said Beckett.

The government is expected to set out its position on potential social media time limits for children later in the year.