Kiwi parents' fears over children's technology use ease slightly

The persistent concern among New Zealand parents over their children's use of technology has shown a slight easing, according to the latest survey by health insurer nib.

Although 73% of those questioned highlighted technology as a top worry, this represents a relatively minor increase from 70% recorded in the previous year. Conversely, other areas show significant falls, suggesting an increased comfort with digital devices and the associated screen time.

The survey reveals that 46% of parents limit their children's screen time, a drop from 51% in 2020. Simultaneously, it shows a decrease in those who check their child's browsing history as a safety precaution, from 28% in 2020 to 25% in the current year. Even the proportion of parents often perceived as uneasy about their child's use and impact of social media has fallen to 65%.

The findings, part of the nib's fifth annual State of the Nation Parenting Survey, suggest children find a more balanced engagement between their screen time and other aspects of life.

Concern over the amount of time kids spend on digital devices was reported by 40% of parents surveyed, down from 45% in the previous year and 49% in 2021. Parents also indicated less apprehension about how these devices impacted traditional recreational activities, 26% in the latest survey, compared to 30% and 33% in the prior two years.

Interestingly, the proportion of parents reporting a drop in their children's ability to concentrate due to devices dipped to 22% from the reported 27% and 29% in the past two years. Moreover, conflict within the family resulting from device use has fallen from being a concern for 25% to 19% of the parents.

Rob Henninm, CEO of nib New Zealand, observes that parents increasingly recognise technology use as an inescapable part of modern life. "There's no escaping device use whether it be at work, school or home, and while parents must continue to monitor their kids' usage and keep them safe, it is encouraging to see parents feel less worried overall," he says.

However, there does remain a marked degree of disquiet over the impact of social media, with 65% expressing concern. One parent noted his worry about how social media influences young people's self-perception. He said: "They grow up thinking/believing that they need to be something or someone else due to what they consume via social media."

Also, 37% felt that their children might potentially be perpetrators of cyberbullying or online abuse. nib's resident parenting expert, Nathan Wallis, sees this concern as a perfect opportunity to initiate meaningful conversations with kids about cyberbullying.

Wallis recommends parents create specific boundaries around device use and establish regular device-free times and zones within homes while taking full advantage of available software to guard their children against inappropriate content. He further advises not to place excessive pressure on themselves about device use and to make clever use of tech to aid parenting.