This annual survey of UK children aged 9-16 and their families, tracks the impact of digital technology on children’s physical, social, emotional, and developmental wellbeing. The Index highlights both the positive impacts of the internet and tech devices on children and families as well as areas of concern. The annual Digital Wellbeing Index, running for its fifth consecutive year, reveals:

• Children are spending 23 hours online each week including using AI tools, watching live streams and live streaming themselves, up from 16 hours in 2022.
• Nearly half (46%) of children say they keep playing the same games or watching the same shows or films – even when they are not enjoying them - (up from 40% in 2022).
• Three-fifths (59%) of children say they stay up late on their phone, playing games or watching TV.
• 40% of children are turning down real-world social opportunities to stay online.
• Almost half (45%) admit to turning down sport or exercise because they want to play video games, watch TV or be on social media – a 10% increase since 2022.
• Over a third (37%) of parents say their child turns down opportunities to meet with friends so they can stay in on their phone, computer or games console, up from 26% in 2022