66% of Cardiff parents have introduced a social media cut-off time for their teens

Cardiff-based Llanishen High School has released new research which addresses the top parental considerations when it comes to teenagers and their social media use.

This comes as part of the school’s move to empower parents to better support their children with social media, as it surveyed 339 parents across all year groups.

From managing screen time – with 66% of parents introducing a cut-off time for their children – to 58% saying that they had set up parental controls on their child’s social accounts, a large percentage of parents have already implemented some safeguarding measures. 

Yet 29% of parents still cited mental health as a top concern when it comes to their child’s social media use with 80% of parents believing that social media has a negative impact on mental health at least some of the time. 

Headteacher Mrs Sarah Parry said:

“For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, social media is second nature. It’s an everyday necessity for checking in with friends, keeping up appearances and staying in the loop with the latest trends. Yet, we know this has the potential to take a toll on their mental health, especially if it’s not used with intention or kindness. As their online world continues to grow and evolve, we believe it’s essential that parents and teachers equip themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure teenagers’ safety, well-being, and privacy online. 

“That’s why we surveyed Llanishen High School parents across all year groups to understand their biggest concerns – and the opportunities they see – when it comes to social media, as well as any challenges they may face. We had a staggering number of responses and we’ve taken all feedback on board as part of this guide to offer relevant advice and guidance.”

30% of parents felt that it was difficult to keep track of all the accounts now available, with 28% saying that their children didn’t want to engage in conversation about social media. Parents were keen to feel more knowledgeable about social media to help tackle these conversations head-on, with the report gaining positive feedback so far. 

Mrs Parry continued:

“Social media can be a minefield, especially as it’s not part of the every day for some parents. While it can bring its challenges, there are benefits too. It can help young people find and secure new opportunities, connect with like-minded communities, and more. The possibilities feel endless today if it’s used correctly. I want to be clear that this guide is not an attack on social media. On the contrary, knowledge is power, and we want to encourage our students, and their parents, to use social media as a force for good.”

Llanishen High School is a community-based school in the heart of Cardiff which has created a supportive, inclusive learning environment that nurtures individual growth and personal success.

To read the report in full and to download a copy, please visit: https://www.llanishenhighschool.co.uk/social-media-guide/