CyberBreak calls on public to take a 24-hour break from the online world

Over a third of 8-12 year olds and two-thirds of 12-25 year olds have no time restrictions on their online activity, according to a survey by charity CyberSafeKids.

The survey also found that 56% of 8-12 year olds and 69% of 12-15 year olds have unlimited access to devices in their bedrooms overnight; many of them are online until they fall asleep.

These findings are being published in order to launch CyberBreak 2026, which is being supported by the HSE. The campaign is urging families, schools and workplaces to switch off all smart devices from 7 pm today (Friday, October 16) and take a 24-hour break from the online world.

Over 1,200 young people took part in the survey since returning to school; it found that 18% of 8-12 year olds and 20% of 12-15 year olds found it hard to switch off from their devices.

CyberSafeKids say that this is concerning that childrens are using platforms that are unsafe by design and facilitate multiple risks.

The survey also found that 20% of 8-12 year olds and 37% of 12-15 year olds bookend their days being online, falling asleep with devices and using them immediately after waking up.

Sadly, the survey found that more than half of young people said their parents are on their devices often, or all the time, when they are with them.

Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids, said: “The research highlights the near-constant connectivity of even very young children. Screens in bedrooms, especially overnight, affect not only sleep but overall wellbeing. Children need clear boundaries around device use at home, and the fact that many have no restrictions at all is alarming given the harmful content and contact inherent in digital environments.

“That's why initiatives like CyberBreak matter. Disconnecting for just 24 hours helps us reflect on how and when we use our devices, and start building healthier habits together by modelling, as parents, teachers and caregivers, the behaviours we want to see in children. We're encouraging everyone to join us this weekend in resetting and reconnecting offline.”

Brian Higgins, HSE Assistant National Director, Adult Mental Health, said: “While the benefits of technology are increasingly seen through digital health supports and innovations, the distraction and harm caused to our mental health by constant social media use is undoubted. Taking a CyberBreak gives us an opportunity to take a step back and address how we can find a healthy balance between our online and offline lives. We would encourage people of all ages to find trusted mental health information and support on yourmentalhealth.ie or by using the new Navigator online signposting tool.”