Left To Their Own Devices provides a detailed overview of data collected in the 2023–24 academic year from over 7,000 children (aged 8-14) across Ireland. It provides a valuable insight into how children spend their time online, levels of access, and children's experiences, both positive and negative.

If a child tells you that they have a lot of negative experiences online then they are not alone. Our latest research shows that only 43% of 8-12 year olds had ‘mostly’ positive experiences online in the last year. Exposure to harmful content and contact were commonplace in the online environments where young children spent so much of their time.

Research data - During the 2023-2024 academic year we surveyed a total of 7,176 children, aged 8-14 years, in 101 schools across Ireland. Our research data was collected via anonymous online surveys before visiting each school. Since 2016 we have highlighted the extent to which children in Ireland are engaging with technology and their resulting experiences. This year we have seen a reduction in parental involvement and a continuing gap in the digital skills of children that leave them far too vulnerable to online harm. This is a real cause for concern...