More than half of children under 12 in Ireland have access to smartphones or other internet-connected devices in their bedrooms overnight, according to a new survey. The findings have renewed concerns about children’s sleep, online safety and the difficulty families face in setting healthy digital boundaries.
Key findings from the survey
The research, conducted by online safety charity CyberSafeKids, surveyed 1,200 children. It found that overnight access to smart devices becomes even more common among older children.
- More than half of under-12s reported having overnight access to connected devices in their bedrooms.
- That figure rose to about two-thirds among children aged 12 to 15.
- One-third of respondents said they had no restrictions on their online activity.
- A fifth of children aged eight to 12 said they had fallen asleep with a device.
- Among under-15s, 37 per cent reported falling asleep while using or near a device.
- Almost one-quarter of teenagers said they went online as soon as they woke up.
The results form part of the latest Ireland News on children’s technology use and were released before CyberBreak 2026, a national initiative encouraging families to spend 24 hours away from non-essential digital services.
Why overnight device access is a concern
Children going online at night can affect more than bedtime routines. Notifications, gaming, social media and messaging may make it harder to settle, while access to a device without supervision can expose young people to harmful content or unwanted contact.
CyberSafeKids chief executive Alex Cooney said constant connectivity could affect both sleep and wider wellbeing. The organisation also warned that children need clear, age-appropriate rules at home, particularly when devices are kept in bedrooms.
The survey suggests that online activity is becoming embedded in the start and end of the day. About 41 per cent of children aged 12 to 15 said they accessed the internet before school, while most children under 15 reported going online during the evening.
What parents can do
Families do not need to eliminate technology, but consistent routines can reduce the impact of late-night screen use. Practical steps include:
- Charge phones, tablets and gaming devices outside bedrooms overnight.
- Agree clear times for gaming, social media and messaging to stop.
- Use parental controls and privacy settings appropriate to a child’s age.
- Talk regularly about upsetting content, online contact and reporting tools.
- Create a device-free period before sleep and keep the rule consistent.
- Model the same habits by putting adult phones away during family time.
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Parents’ own smartphone habits also highlighted
The survey found that children were noticing the amount of time adults spent on their phones. More than half of young people said their parents used devices all or most of the time they were together.
Psychotherapist Richard Hogan said parents had to lead by example. His advice focuses on prioritising engagement with children before reaching for a phone in the morning and throughout the day.
That finding is significant because household rules are more likely to work when adults follow them too. A child who is asked to put away a phone may question the boundary if parents remain connected to work, social media or messages during family activities.
CyberBreak 2026: What is happening next?
CyberBreak 2026 is supported by the HSE and is due to encourage families, schools and workplaces to switch off smart devices for 24 hours from 7pm on Friday. The initiative covers social media, online applications, gaming and non-essential messaging.
More than 25,000 people had committed to taking part before the initiative began. The campaign aims to promote healthier digital habits and encourage people to consider how technology affects sleep, attention and relationships.
The event does not replace everyday online safety measures. Instead, it is intended to provide a practical opportunity for families to discuss device use and establish routines that can continue after the 24-hour break.
Frequently asked questions
How many children have overnight access to smart devices?
More than half of children under 12 surveyed said they had access to smartphones or other internet-connected devices in their bedrooms overnight. The proportion rose to about two-thirds among 12- to 15-year-olds.
How common is falling asleep with a device?
One in five children aged eight to 12 said they had fallen asleep with a device. The figure was 37 per cent among under-15s.
What is CyberBreak 2026?
CyberBreak 2026 is an HSE-supported initiative asking families, schools and workplaces to avoid social media, gaming, online apps and non-essential messaging for 24 hours from 7pm on Friday.
What is the simplest step parents can take?
Keeping phones and tablets out of bedrooms overnight is a straightforward starting point. Families can also agree a regular screen-free period before bedtime and apply it to adults and children.
Why this matters for Ireland
The survey provides a clear snapshot of how deeply connected devices have entered family life in Ireland. It also shows that children’s digital habits cannot be considered separately from adult behaviour, household routines or the design of online services intended to keep users engaged.
The central message from the latest Irish news is practical: overnight device access is common, but families can reduce the risks by setting consistent boundaries and following them together. CyberBreak 2026 offers one immediate opportunity to reset those habits, while long-term change will depend on regular conversations, safer settings and adults leading by example.
