SA kids caught in cybercrime crosshairs, and what the data really shows

AS THE festive season approaches and South African schools begin to wind down for the year, children’s online activity tends to spike, and with it, the risks. With more screen time from gaming to social media, the potential for cybercrime targeting vulnerable youth grows significantly.

Newly published data paints a worrying picture

A recent study by Stellenbosch University, involving 2,195 adolescents, over 2,200 parents, and more than 200 teachers, sheds light on everyday smartphone habits among South African teens. On average, adolescents spend 197 minutes (3 hours 17 minutes) per day on their phones. Girls use their phones more (219 minutes) than boys (176 minutes). 

The most popular platforms among South African teens? WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube dominate.

Alarmingly, almost 60% of adolescents report that their parents never limit their smartphone usage, with only a small portion (about 7%) saying screen time is consistently restricted. 

Over 93% of teens bring their phones to school daily, a sign that digital access permeates much of their waking hours. 

Given the high levels of digital exposure and minimal supervision, many South African children may be stepping into online spaces without the tools to protect themselves. As cybersecurity expert Carey van Vlaanderen notes, cybercriminals exploit precisely these circumstances, when kids are online longer, parents are distracted, and holiday-themed content floods social media.

Why the festive season matters

December brings with it a predictable surge in both screen time and cybercrime attempts. Children are more likely to click on “holiday deals,” “giveaway” links, or other offers, often shared by peers or influencers. These can easily mask malware, phishing attempts, or worse, predatory contact.

The combination of high screen time and low parental oversight makes teenagers especially vulnerable. Many may not yet have developed the digital literacy skills needed to spot manipulative content, judge the legitimacy of links, or resist pressure from strangers online.

Moreover, excessive screen time is not just a cybersecurity risk; it carries mental health consequences too. Recent coverage highlights growing concerns over disrupted sleep, anxiety, and depression among teens spending hours daily on digital devices. 

What parents and caregivers can do now

• Install robust cybersecurity software and parental controls. These offer a first line of defence, blocking malicious websites and harmful content before it reaches your child’s screen. As van Vlaanderen recommends, parental-control tools can also help set time limits, create boundaries, and strike a balance between safety and independence.
• Talk openly about online behaviour and risks. Encouraging awareness of how to spot suspicious links and the importance of privacy and safe conduct online can empower kids to make safer choices.
• Encourage healthy offline activities during the holidays. With schools out, this is a good time to emphasise quality family time, physical activity, hobbies, and anything that reduces excessive screen time.

The bigger picture: safeguarding youth in a hyperconnected era

South Africa’s broader digital-use statistics show just how deeply social media and mobile internet are embedded in everyday life. According to a 2025 overview, nearly 26.7 million South African adults are social media users, and the average daily time spent on social platforms is about 3 hours 36 minutes. 

These numbers help explain why online spaces are so appealing but also why cyber threats against minors remain so potent. In such a context, it is not enough to treat online safety as an occasional concern. Instead, protecting children must become an ongoing, proactive priority.

As the holiday season unfolds, extra vigilance, through a combination of smart tools, open communication, and healthy boundaries, could make all the difference between a safe digital experience and a dangerous one.