Most Bulgarian Parents Concerned Over Children’s Screen Time, EU Survey Finds

Jerusalem, 17 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Brussels (BTA) – Most Bulgarian parents are concerned that their children spend too much time on screens and social media, according to a Eurobarometer survey presented by the European Commission on Tuesday.

Overall, 12,750 interviews were conducted across the EU between March 30 and April 16, including 500 in Bulgaria, targeting parents of children aged 13-18.

Asked whether screens have a positive or negative impact on the lives of young people, 45% of Bulgarian parents opted for “rather negative” and 13% for “very negative” impact. Regarding the impact of social media, 37% of Bulgarian parents opted for “rather negative” and 9% for “very negative”. Similar responses were obtained from interviewees in the other EU Member States participating in the survey.

According to 82% of Bulgarian parents (72% in the EU as a whole), there is a risk of children being exposed to harmful or inappropriate content online. Also, 72% of Bulgarian parents (54% in the EU) are concerned about the impact of screen use on children’s sleep and about the risk of children being contacted by strangers online. Asked what changes they observe in their children’s behaviour due to the use of electronic devices, parents most often said their children showed signs of fatigue or feeling overwhelmed, or had difficulty concentrating.

Asked how they protect their children’s wellbeing, 56% of Bulgarian parents (48% in the EU) said they talked to them about their experiences online, and 42% of Bulgarian parents (50% in the EU) said they encouraged their children to take breaks from social media. Limiting time online and turning off or deleting apps are other protective behaviours. About 10% of parents in Bulgaria and the EU as a whole seek professional help from a school counsellor or psychologist.

Asked about effective actions to protect the mental wellbeing of young people online, 56% of Bulgarian parents (47% in the EU) said social media platforms should better implement existing rules, while 44% of Bulgarian parents (54% in the EU) called for additional age limits or restrictions.