Wellbeing in a Digital World: Teens Report More Positive than Negative Online Experiences 

WASHINGTON, DC, December 9, 2024 — Today, in conjunction with its 2024 annual conference, the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) released its latest report, Promoting Wellbeing in a Digital World. The report provides a comprehensive look at how the ever-present connectivity of digital life intersects with the concept of wellbeing for teens aged 13-17 and their parents.

Drawing on research conducted in the United States, Brazil, and Germany in October 2024, the study sheds light on the opportunities and challenges faced by parents and teens in managing their wellbeing amid the realities of digital life. It highlights both shared and country-specific perspectives on how parents and teens perceive and navigate overall and digital wellbeing.

Key findings from the report include: 

• Teens self-report having more positive than negative online experiences. Most teens say they have experienced instances where digital activity positively affected their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Nearly 9 in 10 teens across the U.S. (87%), Brazil (95%), and Germany (87%) say their digital activity has “always” or “often” led to a positive wellbeing effect, such as feeling more connected to loved ones. Fewer teens report negative experiences, with 63% in the U.S., 75% in Brazil, and 58% in Germany citing issues like constant notification checking. 
• Both parents and teens believe they are primarily responsible for promoting teen wellbeing. However, teens feel more accountable for their own digital wellbeing than parents recognize. In the U.S., 75% of teens say they are primarily responsible for their digital wellbeing, compared to 58% of parents who agree. Similar gaps exist in Brazil (69% of teens versus 38% of parents) and Germany (76% of teens versus 56% of parents).  
• Parents and teens favor tech companies over government intervention for additional support on teens’ digital wellbeing. In the U.S., 72% of parents would welcome even more involvement from tech companies to support teens’ digital wellbeing, compared to 50% for increased government support. In Brazil and Germany, this holds true: 87% of Brazilian parents and 63% of German parents would welcome even more involvement from tech companies, while 72% and 52% respectively would welcome greater government involvement. Teens mirror these views, with particularly strong support for tech companies in Brazil (84%).

"Too often, the nuanced reality that online experiences carry both risks and rewards is overlooked in the polarized debate about online safety," said Stephen Balkam, CEO and Founder of FOSI. "This research shows that teens see their digital lives as a positive force for their overall well-being, fostering creativity, social connection, and more. It’s crucial for parents, tech companies, and governments to collaborate on safety solutions that both protect and empower kids to thrive as responsible digital citizens."

"This study reaffirms the importance of taking a balanced approach – one that fosters creativity, and learning without sacrificing healthy digital habits or safety," said Mindy Brooks, General Manager Kids and Families at Google. “We are encouraged to see the majority of parents and teens have a positive outlook regarding time spent online. These findings will help inform how we can further our existing efforts to prioritize teen wellbeing and support parents across our products. And we’re proud to partner with organizations like FOSI to get this right.”This study was supported by Google and conducted by Kantar, with topline findings to be presented at the FOSI 2024 Annual Conference, From Protection to Empowerment. Each year, FOSI convenes the premier event in online safety, bringing together leaders from across industry, government, academia, and NGOs. This year’s agenda explores the latest trends, strategies, and advancements in online safety and digital wellbeing.

‍

###

‍

About FOSI: The Family Online Safety Institute is an international, non-profit organization that works to make the online world safer for kids and their families. FOSI convenes leaders in industry, government and the non-profit sectors to collaborate and innovate new solutions and policies in the field of online safety. Through research, resources, events and special projects, FOSI promotes a culture of responsibility online and encourages a sense of digital citizenship for all. FOSI's membership includes many of the leading Internet and telecommunications companies around the world.