Research conducted in the summer indicates that parents are increasingly using technology restrictions as a primary disciplinary method. The survey by OnePoll involved 2,000 UK parents with children over the age of five living at home.

Removing a phone is the most common action, with 35% of parents opting for this measure. Additionally, 32% threaten to remove gaming consoles or computers, and 31% turn off the WiFi entirely. Traditional punishments, such as sending children to bed early or grounding them, remain in use but are less prevalent.

The study also reveals that 72% of children spend more than two hours online daily. Parents report that 61% of children use the internet for gaming, 60% for streaming shows, and 55% for schoolwork.

Online Usage Statistics

Approximately 25% of children spend less than an hour online each day. Around 41% are online for 2-3 hours, while 31% use the internet for more than 4 hours daily. This equates to nearly two-thirds of a school day spent in front of screens.

Concerned about this level of use, 55% of parents impose limits on their child’s online time. Moreover, 32% believe their child is addicted to digital services.

Other forms of punishment include sending children to their room (35%), time out (25%), assigning extra chores (19%), and canceling planned activities (18%). Only 13% resort to taking away pocket money, and 19% of parents indicated they do not use any of these methods.

National Regulatory Developments

These family rules coincide with updates to national regulation. The UK’s Online Safety Act, effective this summer, mandates age verification on adult sites and extends Ofcom’s oversight capabilities. Initial reports suggest a reduction in traffic to adult websites, although some children circumvent restrictions using VPNs.

Parents remain the primary enforcers of these guidelines, balancing digital learning benefits against risks of distraction and inappropriate content. As children return to school, maintaining this balance presents increasing challenges.

Stephen Warburton, Managing Director for Zen Internet’s consumer division, commissioned the national study and commented that technology is a pivotal aspect of contemporary childhood and a tool for parental discipline. While the Online Safety Act is a significant measure, it cannot replace the need for parental guidance.

He stated, “For families, establishing boundaries is essential, whether through limiting screen time, utilizing filters, or engaging in open dialogues. In this era, restricting technology is akin to traditional disciplinary measures.”

Parental Tools for Managing Technology Use

Zen Internet recommends tools to assist parents in managing technology use at home. The Eero mesh WiFi system allows families to create individual profiles for each child, pause internet access at specific times, and block selected content. These controls are accessible via an intuitive app.

Another option is Zen’s Fritz!Box router, which enables parents to set time limits, schedule offline periods during school nights, and filter inappropriate websites through its app or dashboard. These tools help households establish structure without conflicts over screen time.