Ofcom has published its latest Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report, offering a detailed picture of how children and young people across the UK are experiencing the online world in 2026. The report draws on interviews with more than 5,000 parents and carers of children aged 6 months to 17, alongside more than 3,400 interviews with children aged 8 to 17 themselves.
The findings paint a complex picture. Digital spaces are deeply embedded in children’s friendships, creativity, entertainment and learning. Many children use online spaces to relax, connect and express themselves. But alongside these benefits, the report highlights significant concerns around unkind behaviour, online pressure, harmful interactions, misinformation and children’s sense of wellbeing and belonging.
For the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the findings reinforce something we know well: children’s experiences online and offline cannot be separated. Bullying, belonging, peer relationships and wellbeing are increasingly shaped by digital life.
Feeling pressure to fit in online
One of the clearest themes running through the report is the social pressure many children experience online. Ofcom found that a third (33%) of children aged 8 to 17 who use social media or messaging apps say they feel pressure to be popular online all or most of the time, while 70% say they feel this pressure at least sometimes.
These findings matter because pressure to fit in, gain approval or maintain social status can contribute to exclusion, relational bullying and anxiety. Online environments often intensify social comparison, especially where popularity is visible through likes, followers and engagement.
The report also found that most children are “passive” users of social media, preferring to watch, read and follow content rather than actively post themselves. 65% of social media users aged 8 to 17 mainly consume content rather than create it. This suggests many children may be spending long periods observing others online, potentially increasing feelings of comparison or exclusion.
Children are experiencing “nasty or hurtful” behaviour both online and offline
Perhaps most concerningly, almost a quarter (23%) of children aged 8 to 17 said they had personally experienced “nasty or hurtful” behaviour in the previous 12 months.
Among those children:
- 47% said this happened through social media
- 43% said it happened face to face
This is a powerful reminder that bullying rarely exists only online or only offline. Children’s social worlds are interconnected, and harmful behaviour often moves between school, friendship groups, gaming spaces and social media platforms.
The report also found that over half of children who play games online say they sometimes play with people they have never met in person. One in five online gamers do this all or most of the time. While online gaming can provide connection and belonging, it can also expose children to harmful language, exclusion and unsafe interactions.
Belonging and wellbeing in a digital world
Alongside the risks, the report highlights the positive role digital spaces can play in children’s wellbeing and sense of connection.
Two thirds (64%) of children aged 8 to 17 said they use online services in ways that support their mental or physical wellbeing. Children reported using online spaces:
- to relax or unwind (36%)
- to improve their mood or feel happy (31%)
- to feel energised or motivated (16%)
The report also found that many children use online spaces creatively, educationally and socially. Eight in ten children aged 3 to 17 use digital devices for at least one creative activity.
Importantly, children still highly value offline connection too. When asked about their favourite free time activities, over a quarter (27%) selected playing or hanging out with friends in person as one of their top three activities.
This reflects a key message at the heart of anti-bullying work: belonging matters. Positive peer relationships, opportunities for connection, creativity and feeling accepted are protective factors against bullying and poor wellbeing.
Screen time concerns are rising
The report also highlights growing concerns from both children and parents about screen time.
Almost four in ten (37%) children aged 8 to 17 said they think they spend too much time on screens. This rises to 44% among 16 to 17 year olds. Children with mental health conditions were especially likely to feel their screen time was too high, at 56%.
Parents shared similar concerns, with more than half (55%) saying they believe their child spends too much time on screens.
However, the report also shows that many children are actively trying to manage their online wellbeing. Among 13 to 17 year olds:
- 29% had disabled notifications
- 28% had deliberately set aside offline time
- 21% avoided taking devices to bed
- 21% had taken a break from social media
Schools have a vital role to play
Encouragingly, schools continue to play an important role in supporting children’s online safety and wellbeing.
85% of children aged 8 to 17 said they had received lessons at school about being online. The most commonly remembered topics included:
- being kind and respectful online (57%)
- recognising harmful behaviour online (55%)
- knowing what to do if contacted by someone they do not know (54%)
These findings underline the importance of whole school approaches to anti-bullying, digital citizenship and belonging. Children need support not only to stay safe online, but to build healthy relationships, recognise harmful behaviour and develop empathy and critical thinking skills.
At the same time, the report suggests there is still more work to do. Fewer children recalled learning about:
- spotting misinformation (36%)
- identifying advertising online (21%)
- spotting AI generated content (23%)
A reminder that children’s online experiences are deeply human
Overall, Ofcom’s report reminds us that children’s online lives are not separate from their emotional and social development. Online spaces can foster creativity, friendship and belonging, but they can also amplify pressure, exclusion and unkindness.
As digital spaces continue to evolve, anti-bullying work must continue evolving too. Supporting children’s wellbeing means helping them build healthy relationships, resilience, empathy and a sense of belonging both online and offline.