Dads in South England Urged to Join Landmark Online Safety Survey

Fathers across southern England are being called on to participate in a groundbreaking online safety survey, marking the first national effort to capture their perspectives on how children navigate social media and manage screen time. The push, led by the UK Safer Internet Centre, seeks responses from at least 2,000 fathers by December 2024, with a focus on regions including Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and Surrey.

Researchers warn that paternal input on digital parenting remains underrepresented in national studies, despite 85% of UK fathers reporting concerns about their children’s online exposure to harmful content, according to Ofcom data from 2023. The survey, available online, asks fathers about their children’s age, device usage patterns, and specific safety tools they use—such as parental controls or time limits.

The initiative comes amid rising calls for more inclusive family safety policies. Last month, a parliamentary committee flagged the lack of data on paternal roles in online child protection, urging government agencies to broaden their research scope. “Dads are often sidelined in these conversations, yet their involvement is crucial to shaping effective digital safety strategies,” said Dr. Eleanor Carter, a child development psychologist advising the project.

1. Survey launch — 15 October 2024
2. Data collection period — 15 October to 31 December 2024
3. Preliminary findings release — February 2025

The survey’s anonymized responses will be shared with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the UK Council for Internet Safety, informing future digital literacy programs. Organizers are partnering with local schools and community centers to boost participation, offering tailored workshops for fathers who need assistance completing the questionnaire.

Critics argue the survey’s regional focus may overlook urban areas where screen time habits differ significantly. “While rural and suburban fathers are important, inner-city parents face unique challenges like higher device reliance and limited parental controls,” noted tech policy analyst Mark Reynolds. The UK Safer Internet Centre has acknowledged this gap but emphasized the pilot’s scope as a starting point for broader research.

Fathers aged 25 to 54 are the primary demographic sought, though organizers stress that all fathers, regardless of age, are encouraged to participate. The survey can be accessed via the UK Safer Internet Centre’s website or through QR codes distributed in local libraries and sports clubs. “We’re not just gathering data—we’re reshaping how digital safety policies are made,” said project coordinator Priya Mehta.