As summer holidays unfold, new research by Vodafone reveals a dramatic shift in how children are using their devices during school breaks. Despite the fact that 95% of parents are already having open, honest conversations with their children about device use, a significant 65% still report increased concern over screen time during the holidays.

To support families during this high-device-use period, Vodafone has partnered with Digital Awareness UK to release a series of 30 digital challenges and practical tips designed to encourage safe and balanced digital habits over the summer break.

Children Spend 42% More Unstructured Time Online Over the Summer

The research shows that children aged 8–17 are expected to spend up to four hours per day online without structured activities during the holidays—a 42% increase compared to term time. The most common reasons for increased device use include:

• Staying connected with school friends (40%)
• Fewer scheduled activities (37%)
• Passing time on long journeys (24%)

While technology plays a vital role in communication and entertainment, 80% of parents say they still worry about how to protect their children online over the summer.

Key Parental Concerns About Summer Screen Time

The report identifies the top concerns among parents regarding their children’s screen use:

• 33% worry about increased time spent playing online games
• 29% are concerned about potential negative effects on sleep
• 28% highlight concerns around mental health impacts
• 26% fear exposure to harmful content
• 25% express concern about their children losing interest in outdoor play

As daily routines become more relaxed and bedtime shifts, the risk of children developing unhealthy digital habits increases. In fact, over half (52%) of parents are worried about their kids forming long-term unhealthy screen behaviors, and 45% fear a potential impact on their child’s future mental health.

Practical Support: Vodafone and Digital Awareness UK Respond

Recognizing the need for more hands-on support, 34% of parents say they are actively looking for additional resources and guidance to help keep their kids safe online this summer. To meet this demand, Vodafone and Digital Awareness UK have created a toolkit of 30 digital challenges, alongside expert advice, aimed at helping families find the right digital balance.

Emma Robertson, CEO of Digital Awareness UK, said:

“We know the summer holidays can be tough for parents and carers trying to keep children entertained. Screens often become an easy go-to solution – whether at home, abroad, or during family outings. While sometimes unavoidable, unstructured device use without clear boundaries can expose children to online harms and lead to long-term tech dependency.

“This research highlights the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to screen time. Setting realistic boundaries that fit your family’s lifestyle is key to helping kids enjoy technology safely and responsibly.”

Parents Seek Better Tools for Managing Digital Habits

Half (50%) of parents say they would feel more confident if they had tools that could help protect their children across both home broadband and mobile data. Another 37% are looking for easier, more convenient solutions to control device usage.

In response, Vodafone will soon launch a major upgrade to its Secure Net digital safety service, integrating both mobile and home broadband controls into one seamless, easy-to-use platform. This move will make Vodafone the first major UK network to offer unified digital parenting tools across all internet connections.

What’s New with Vodafone’s Upgraded Secure Net

All existing Secure Net customers—whether mobile or broadband—will automatically receive access to the new version of the service later this summer at no additional cost. Key features of Secure Net include:

• Focus Time: Helps kids stay productive by restricting access to distractions like social media during study hours
• Pause the Internet: Allows parents to instantly cut internet access across selected devices
• Bedtime Mode: Automatically turns off devices at bedtime to encourage healthier sleep routines
• Customisable Content Filters: Let parents control what kind of websites and content their children can access

By combining its existing mobile and broadband safety features, Vodafone’s Secure Net aims to give parents a single control hub to monitor and manage online activity, whether kids are at home or on the move.

Encouraging Responsible Use, Not Just Restrictions

Though screen time is often associated with passive scrolling or gaming, the summer holidays also offer a chance for children to use their devices for constructive purposes, such as creative apps, digital learning, or staying in touch with friends.

Still, a majority of parents (73%) say they wish their children would disconnect more often during the holidays, with 53% specifically hoping for device-free bedtimes.

Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree, commented:

“There’s no universal approach when it comes to managing screen time. Our research shows that while many families are already having honest conversations about tech use, they also want more guidance and better tools.

That’s why we’re putting powerful technology in parents’ hands — to help them feel more confident and informed about their child’s digital life. With Secure Net, combined with our partnership with Digital Awareness UK, we’re offering practical advice and real-world solutions to help families enjoy a safer, healthier summer online.”