PARENTS fear social media has had a bigger influence on their children’s behaviour than school.
A poll of 1,000 mums and dads of kids aged 12-16 found 28 per cent are ‘uncomfortable’ with the ‘values’ their child is exposed to online.
SWNSA large portion of parents surveyed were ‘uncomfortable’ with online values[/caption]
SWNSThe research is part of the Greater Game initiative[/caption]
With 63 per cent convinced their teens put themselves under pressure by compare themselves to others online – whether that’s fitness levels or self-image.
As many as 27 per cent think social media has had the greatest impact on their kid’s behaviour – ahead of teachers and the classroom (22 per cent).
The research was commissioned by The FA Baller ID, a new initiative from ‘The Greater Game’ programme which aims to tackle negative social media influence, identity pressures and health challenges among young people.
Fronted by England footballers, including Bukayo Saka, Georgia Stanway, and Doug Pratt, it uses football to counter this influence and inspire positive behavioural change through its interactive platform.
Kelly Mackintosh, professor of physical activity and health at Swansea University, said: “This initiative is grounded in the idea that small, achievable actions, when made relatable, can help build lasting healthy habits.
“By tapping into young people’s identity, social connections, and motivation to belong, the campaign draws on behavioural science principles to support positive change.
“Football has long been shown to encourage physical activity, teamwork, and emotional wellbeing, and this initiative uses that foundation to help young people move, sleep, eat, and think more healthily.”
The research also found 91 per cent of parents believe a sense of belonging is important to their child’s emotional wellbeing.
While their children, who were also polled, admitted to feeling the strongest sense of belonging from being with close friends (21 per cent) and playing sport as part of a team (10 per cent).
However, their mums and dads think their kids feel this strongest when at home (38 per cent), according to the OnePoll.com figures.
If given only one option, a third of parents would most like to influence their child’s online media exposure over school or peer groups (15 per cent), extra-curricular activities (13 per cent), and access to role models (12 per cent).
Family encouragement (26 per cent) is the most cited motivator for young people forming better habits, followed by school or sports performance (17 per cent), body image or appearance (16 per cent) and online content (12 per cent).
Sports TV presenter and parent Jake Humphry said: “As a parent of two children, and someone deeply committed to changing the narrative for young people, I think this is a brilliant initiative.
“In this online comparison-culture world our young people are struggling to navigate, it helps young people understand who they are, not just who they’re told to be, and gives them simple, healthy ways to feel better in themselves in an engaging and rewarding way.”
James Kendall, The FA‘s Director of Football Development, added: “This initiative offers a fresh and innovative approach to not only engage 12-16-year-olds in making positive lifestyle choices, but to support families and coaches in making football a force for better health and wellbeing in young people.
“This platform uses the power of positive role models to do this, focusing on identity, belonging, and the simple, healthy actions young people can make every day.”
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