Australian Parents‘ Online Safety Awareness Doesn’t Translate to Parental Control Use
Table of Contents
- Australian Parents’ Online Safety Awareness Doesn’t Translate to Parental Control Use
- Awareness of Parental Controls is High, But Usage Lags
- Parents of Teenagers Least Likely to Use Parental Controls
- Snapchat’s Family Centre and Parental Control Tools
- Positive Impact of Using Online Safety Tools
- Untapped Potential for Greater Adoption
- Evergreen Insights on Parental Controls
- Frequently Asked Questions About Parental Controls
- Why aren’t more Australian parents using online safety parental controls?
- What age group of children are least likely to have parental controls used by their parents?
- What parental control tools does Snapchat offer?
- What are the benefits for parents who actively use online safety tools?
- Where can parents find educational resources for online safety?
- What is the potential for increased adoption of parental control tools?
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.
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Parents aware of parental controls | 82% |
| parents using parental controls | 43% |
| Parents of teens (13-17) using controls | 65% |
| Parents of children (5-12) using controls | 76% |
| Parents feeling better able to protect family (with tools) | 92% |
| parents recommending tools to others | 93% |
Evergreen Insights on Parental Controls
Parental controls have evolved substantially over the past decade, from simple website filters to sophisticated tools that monitor online activity, limit screen time, and manage social media interactions. The rise of smartphones and social media has made it increasingly challenging for parents to stay ahead of potential online risks. Though,proactive engagement,education,and open communication remain crucial components of effective online safety strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parental Controls
Why aren’t more Australian parents using online safety parental controls?
A recent survey indicates a gap between awareness and action.while 82% of Australian parents know about parental controls, 57% aren’t using them.
What age group of children are least likely to have parental controls used by their parents?
Parents of teenagers aged 13-17 are less likely to use parental controls (65%) compared to parents of children aged 5-12 (76%).
What parental control tools does Snapchat offer?
Snapchat offers a Family Centre that allows parents to view their teen’s friend list, see who they are communicating with, and set content restrictions.
What are the benefits for parents who actively use online safety tools?
92% of parents using safety tools feel better able to protect their family, and 93% would recommend the controls to others. Also, 93% feel more in control of how technology is used by young people.
Where can parents find educational resources for online safety?
Snapchat promotes digital literacy through its Family safety Hub, which offers educational resources for parents.
What is the potential for increased adoption of parental control tools?
The study indicates that 76% of parents previously unaware of parental control tools would consider using them in the future, suggesting significant potential for increased adoption.
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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