Australian Parents‘ Online Safety Awareness Doesn’t Translate to Parental Control Use

A recent national survey reveals a significant gap between awareness and action regarding online safety among Australian parents. While a large majority (82%) are aware of online safety parental controls,57% are not actively using them on apps and digital platforms to protect their children [1].

Awareness of Parental Controls is High, But Usage Lags

The study, conducted by Lonergan Research in June 2025, surveyed over 1,000 Australian parents with children under 18, examining their awareness, adoption, and attitudes toward online safety tools. The findings highlight a disconnect between understanding the availability of these tools and implementing them, particularly concerning parents of teenagers.

Did You Know? According to a 2023 report by the australian Institute of Family Studies, children aged 6-13 spend an average of 12 hours per week online, highlighting the need for parental oversight [2].

Parents of Teenagers Least Likely to Use Parental Controls

Data from the survey indicates that parents of teenagers aged 13-17 are considerably less likely to use parental controls (65%) compared to parents of children aged 5-12 (76%). This trend is concerning, as the teenage years often involve increased online activity and exposure to potential risks.

Pro Tip: Open dialog with teenagers about online safety can be just as effective as technical controls. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or uncomfortable experiences.

Snapchat’s Family Centre and Parental Control Tools

Snapchat commissioned the research and offers its own suite of tools through its in-app Family Centre. These parental controls allow caregivers to view their teen’s friend list, see who they are communicating with, and set content restrictions. Ryan Ferguson, Managing Director for Snap Inc. in Australia and New Zealand, emphasizes that these tools are designed to facilitate vital conversations between parents and teens about online safety.

Positive Impact of Using Online Safety Tools

Parents who actively use safety tools report overwhelmingly positive experiences. Among them, 92% feel better equipped to protect their family, and 93% would recommend the controls to other families. an equal percentage say the tools help them feel more in control of how technology is used by young people in their household.

Susan McLean, a leading online safety expert in Australia, highlights the critical need for increased digital supervision during the teenage years, especially as young people gain more access to technology.

Untapped Potential for Greater Adoption

The study also reveals that 76% of parents previously unaware of online safety tools would consider using them in the future, indicating a significant chance for increased adoption. Snapchat also promotes broader digital literacy through its Family Safety Hub, which provides educational resources for parents.

What steps do you take to ensure your child’s online safety? Do you think parental control tools are effective, or are open conversations more importent?

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