One in four children spend more than four hours a day online – despite school phone bans

ONE in four children spends more than four hours a day online — even though most schools ban phones, a report reveals.

Their growing obsession has led the Children’s Commissioner for England to warn harmful content is slipping through the net at home.

Girl holding a smartphone.
One in four children spends more than four hours a day onlineCredit: Getty
Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England, speaking to young people.
Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de SouzaCredit: Alamy

Rachel de Souza emphasized that schools are only one piece of the puzzle. She believes that it is crucial to provide parents with more assistance in establishing suitable limits for screen time.

The poll found a quarter of eight to 15-year-olds spent four hours on phones, tablets and consoles each day.

Another fifth spent three to four hours a day on the devices, it also revealed.

A second poll for Dame Rachel found 90 per cent of secondary schools and 99.8 per cent of primary schools already imposed phone restrictions.

Despite this, online safety is still a top worry for teachers.

Daniel Kebede, of the National Education Union, urged the Government to ban phones in schools.

He added that Britain should follow Australia — where social media will soon be banned for children aged under 16.

The commissioner called for the Online Safety Act to go further, saying: “It must hold technology companies to account.”

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

You May Also Like

Karmelo Anthony’s mother cries and denies receiving $450k raised for teen who fatally stabbed Austin Metcalf

The mother of a teenager who has been accused of fatally stabbing…

Understanding Trump’s Strategy for ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense System for US Protection, with Elon Musk’s Involvement

INCREDIBLE plans have been revealed for Donald Trump’s futuristic US military air…

Police Officer in New Orleans Accused of Following and Intimidating Ex-Girlfriend’s Current Partner

A New Orleans police officer accused of stalking appeared in court Thursday…

Shooting at Florida State University from a orange Hummer in a frightening incident

A fair-haired gunman pulled up in a Hummer then opened fire at…

George Clooney shares his unexpected pick for the next Democratic leader after causing a stir in the party

George Clooney believes Maryland Governor Wes Moore is a ‘proper leader’ who…

Ukraine Destroys 29 Russian Vehicles and 140 Soldiers in Intense Two and a Half Hour Battle shown by Shocking Video

THIS is the heart-stopping moment Ukrainian troops wipe out a huge Russian…

Exclusive footage of Freddie Flintoff’s shocking Top Gear accident unveiled as Disney+ releases trailer for unique documentary – unveiling the reality of his hidden life for seven months

A never-seen-before look at Freddie Flintoff’s horror Top Gear crash has been…

Mother fails to act after husband purposely burns her 10-year-old daughter on stove

A Florida couple was arrested on Monday, two days after the woman’s…

Former Representative Fred Piccolo Jr., who used to work for DeSantis, appears in court in a wheelchair following his arrest for disruptive behavior on the road and at a mall.

Accusations have been made against Fredrick Piccolo Jr, a former spokesperson for…

Woman, 32, tragically killed in her flat – suspect facing murder charges

A man has been charged with murder after the death of ‘a…

CEO of Hooters has been expressing concerns about the attire of servers for a long time while the struggling chain implements more wholesome changes.

A HOOTERS chief has insisted he’s complained about servers’ skimpy outfits for…

“Authorities raise alert level for imminent volcanic eruption as 300,000 Americans prepare”

Nearly 300,000 Americans remain on alert as Mount Spurr continues to show…