Charity urges people to take a 24-hour CyberBreak

New research by Ireland's online safety charity, CyberSafeKids, reveals that 83% of primary school children (8-12 years) have access to internet-connected devices in their bedrooms, with 63% allowed to have them overnight.

The research is being published as CyberSafeKids launches CyberBreak 2025, urging families, schools, and workplaces to switch off all smart devices from 5pm on Friday, October 17, and take a 24-hour break from the online world. The annual event – which 35,000 people have already signed up for – provides a valuable opportunity to reset digital routines and create healthier online habits — together.

CyberSafeKids' new research found that boys were significantly more likely than girls to both use devices in their bedrooms (89% vs. 79%) and to keep them there overnight (79% vs. 58%).

The research also reveals that screen time is dominating key parts of children's waking hours: 56% of children go online straight after school, 39% use devices just before falling asleep, and 11% reach for them first thing in the morning.

Children themselves expressed concerns about their digital habits: almost half (48%) acknowledged they spend too much time online, 30% feel they waste a lot of time online, and 24% find it hard to switch off their devices, apps and games. Despite frequent use, only 27% believe that being online is mostly a good thing for them.

CyberSafeKids is urging families to reduce children’s near constant connectivity, which is disrupting sleep quality, affecting concentration and learning, and increasing their exposure to online risks.

Speaking about CyberBreak, Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids, said:

“The research highlights the scale of digital dependency among young children. When screens follow kids into their bedrooms, it impacts not only their sleep but their overall wellbeing. Children need clear boundaries around screen time and device use at home — starting with switching off at night.

That’s why initiatives like CyberBreak are so important. Taking even 24 hours to disconnect helps families reflect on how and when we use our devices — and start building healthier online habits together. We’re encouraging everyone, young and old, to join us this weekend in taking that step back, to reset and reconnect with one another in the real world.”

Dr. Richard Hogan, author and family psychotherapist, added:

“It’s more important than ever for children to have moments throughout their busy day that are free from technology. As parents, we must lead by example – this means engaging with our kids before our phones in the morning – sending the vital message to them that they come first, not our smart devices. It's our responsibility to help them switch off, unplug, and reconnect with what matters most."

Derek Chambers, Policy Lead, National Mental Health, HSE said: “While the benefits of technology are increasingly seen through digital mental health supports and innovations, the distraction and harm caused 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, whatever your age.”

HOW TO SIGN UP

For more information on CyberBreak, and to sign-up, go to www.cybersafekids.ie/cyberbreak