Growing up connected: parenting in the age of AI and cyberbullies

The internet is today’s playground, and increasingly, it’s where kids turn not just for fun, but for emotional support. According to the latest Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Connected Kids, more than 1 in 4 (28%) of parents in the US say their child has turned to AI for companionship or comfort, signaling a shift in how kids form connections and manage their feelings in a digital world.

With the right boundaries, it can be just as safe as the backyard. But unlike traditional play spaces, the digital world presents unique challenges like cyberbullying and the rise of AI that many parents may feel unprepared to handle. More than half of kids (52%) find a way around screen time limits or parental controls, according to parents globally – and are frequently engaging in risky online behaviors. This underscores the growing need for updated tools, open conversations and digital trust at home.

Starting digital lives early

Children are online more than ever, but what’s more striking is how early digital life begins. Norton found that while today's parents received their first mobile device at age 23 on average, their children are getting connected at just 11 years old. This 12-year gap represents a fundamental shift in how childhood online unfolds.

AI enters the family digital toolkit

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how children learn, create and interact online, with nearly half (48%) currently using ChatGPT and 30% using Google Gemini globally.  

While 43% of parents around the world believe AI benefits children's learning and creativity – though this varies significantly by gender and generation – the emotional component of AI interaction deserves special attention as kids are turning to AI for emotional support. This data highlights the importance of healthy relationship building and emotional development within families, especially in an AI-forward world.

Understanding cyberbullying: the numbers tell a story

While cyberbullying isn’t new, it’s still crucial for families to discuss with their children as they start navigating digital spaces. Parents globally report that cyberbullying affects more than 1 in 8 (13%) of kids, with numbers rising to nearly 1 in 4 (24%) in the US. Unsurprisingly, parents around the world said most of this harassment took place on social media – with Facebook and Instagram leading the way, and 39% of perpetrators identified as classmates or peers.

The screen time management challenge

While the majority of parents actively manage their children's screen time, enforcement remains challenging. Despite their efforts, digital-savvy kids often stay one step ahead. Nearly 1 in 3 (29%) of children find ways around screen time limits and tell their parents about it, while another 23% bypass controls without disclosure, and parents discover these workarounds independently. Overall, these trends point to a growing need for open communication and digital literacy within families – moving beyond just screen time restrictions or parental controls.

Building your family's Cyber Safety Strategy

Effective online safety isn't about restrictions – it's about preparation and communication. Here's how families can build robust digital safety practices:

Start with open conversations

Create judgment-free spaces for discussing online experiences. Nearly half of children seek parental guidance during challenging online interactions, indicating they want support when problems arise.

Regular check-ins work better than crisis-driven conversations. Ask about:

• Interesting things they've seen online
• Friends they've made in digital spaces
• Confusing or uncomfortable interactions
• New apps or platforms they want to try

For more guidance on starting these conversations, you can refer to The Smart Talk, co-created by the National PTA and Norton to help children and families feel safer and more empowered in their digital lives.

Implement Layered Protection

Technology tools should complement, not replace, family conversations. Consider:

Technical safeguards:

• Antivirus software for device protection
• Scam detection tools like Norton Genie
• Secure browsers for safer browsing
• Age-appropriate content filters

Behavioral guidelines:

• Clear expectations about sharing personal information
• Guidelines for interacting with strangers online
• Rules about appropriate content consumption
• Consequences for bypassing safety measures

Stay informed about digital trends

The online landscape is evolving rapidly, making last year’s solutions potentially ineffective against today’s risks.

Stay Current by:

• Following reputable digital safety organizations
• Joining parent groups focused on technology
• Asking children about new platforms and trends
• Regularly reviewing and updating safety settings

Monitor without micromanaging

The key is finding a balance between safety and privacy.

Age-appropriate monitoring might include:

• Reviewing app installations and settings
• Checking browsing history periodically
• Discussing friend lists and online contacts
• Understanding gaming communities and chat features

These statistics aren't meant to alarm but to normalize the challenges of digital parenting. With the right tools, guidance and support, digital parenting becomes less about control and more about connection. To learn more about these findings, check out the Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Connected Kids.