Aussie parents hit a ‘Confidence Cliff’ when it comes to keeping kids safe online

New Optus research reveals parents and caregivers are concerned about emerging digital harms, but many don't feel equipped to protect children online

• Confidence drops from 64% for managing their own online safety to just 40% when helping their children stay safe online
• 81% worry they don’t know the full range of content their children engage with, while 79% are concerned algorithms are influencing their children’s opinions and beliefs
• Almost one in four (24%) wouldn’t know where to start if they needed digital safety support, while just 9% know exactly where to find help

Australian parents and caregivers are worried about what their children are experiencing online, but the majority don't feel confident they have the skills, knowledge or support to get ahead of the issues faced for kids in the digital world.

New research by Optus, surveying 800 parents and caregivers across the country, reveals a significant gap in confidence – or ‘Confidence Cliff’ – between how parents and caregivers feel about managing their own online safety and their ability to guide their children through an increasingly connected digital world.

While 64% of parents and caregivers say they feel confident managing their own online safety, confidence drops sharply to just 40% when it comes to helping their children stay safe online.

Cyberbullying has the largest confidence gap (21 points), followed by age-appropriate content (17 points), screen time and technology habits (16 points), online scams (15 points) and false or AI-generated content (15 points).

The findings also point to a changing online safety challenge for families. Concerns are extending beyond more visible issues such as screen time (85%) to less visible influences and experiences, including algorithms (79%), children hiding harmful online experiences (81%) and AI-generated images being used to bully children (81%).

Parenting and digital wellbeing expert Dr Jo Orlando said:

“Technology is moving incredibly quickly. This can be particularly challenging as children gain more independence online. Algorithms add another layer of complexity, exposing children to content and viewpoints their parents and caregivers may not know about.

"This highlights the importance of practical, accessible digital safety education that helps parents and caregivers build confidence and start meaningful conversations with their children about online experiences."

The findings come as the Australian Government has proposed new Digital Duty of Care Bill that would require online platforms to do more to protect users from harm, while giving Australians aged 16 and over greater control over the algorithm-recommended content they see in their social media feeds.

Anthony Shiner, Chief Customer Officer at Optus, said:

"At Optus, we take our role seriously in helping families navigate the digital world with confidence. We believe our responsibility goes beyond providing connectivity. It's also about helping families access the information, tools and support they need to level up together when it comes to using technology safely.

"Optus’s Digital Thumbprint program is one example of that commitment. For more than 13 years, Optus has supported Australian schools with digital citizenship and online safety education. This campaign builds on that commitment, as we continue looking at how we can support parents, caregivers and young people as the digital world continues to evolve.”

For practical tips, information and resources to help stay safer online, visit Optus’s Digital Thumbprint family resources hub at www.optus.com.au/digital-thumbprint

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Further information on the proposed Digital Duty of Care bill is available at: Digital duty of care bill introduced | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Media contact:

About the research

Research was conducted by Ipsos Australia in August 2026 using an online survey of 800 Australian parents and caregivers aged 18 – 75 with children under 18. The nationally representative quantitative study explored parents' and caregivers’ confidence, attitudes and behaviours relating to children's digital safety, including online risks, gaming, artificial intelligence, digital footprints and cyber safety practices.

About Optus

Optus is Australia’s second largest telecommunications provider, with a network that reaches 99.1% of the Australian population and provides services that connect around 12 million consumers and businesses across the nation.

Backed by some 7,000 employees, 240 retail stores across the country, award-winning 5G and human tech support available online 24/7, we offer a wide range of services, including mobile and home phone plans, internet and broadband, satellite services and business solutions that help make life easier and better for our customers and the nation.

We're committed to using our network and expertise to help people move forward by removing barriers and enabling action, so Australians can get on with what matters most. This starts with listening to our customers' needs and investing in our people, partnerships, communities and technology to create a better, connected Australia.

_{*4G network coverage based on 2021 census data. Check 4G and 5G coverage at optus.com.au/coverage.}