556m children could be at risk of being contacted by strangers online: Research

 Gulf Today Report

More than half of children have been regularly contacted online by someone they don’t know, new research from HMD and Perspectus Global has revealed.1 One in three children has been asked to take conversations to private messaging apps, and nearly 40% have been exposed to harmful online content, including explicit or violent material.

The results have emerged from a global survey of 25,000 children and adults in the UK, US, Germany, India, Australia and UAE.

When the figure is extrapolated and combined with the latest UN Global population data, it is estimated some 556 million children could be at risk of being contacted by strangers online through their smartphones.

These findings highlight an urgent need for change.

For too long, parents have faced a difficult choice: either hand their kids a fully-fledged adult smartphone—with all the risks of unrestricted internet, social media pressure, and digital addiction—or keep them disconnected entirely. It’s clear that we need a better way forward.

That’s why HMD is introducing a new category of phones designed with parents for a younger audience. The first of these, the HMD Fusion X1, will debut at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona—a phone built as a “first step” into the digital world, designed to give teens independence while ensuring parents have the controls they need for peace of mind.

Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President of HMD Global in the AMEA Region said: "At HMD, we recognise that digital safety is a growing concern for parents and children alike. Our commitment goes beyond just selling phones—we are investing in safer digital experiences that align with the values of families worldwide. The launch of the HMD Fusion X1 is part of our vision to provide secure, responsible technology that empowers children while giving parents peace of mind. The findings from our global study reinforce the urgent need for change, and we are proud to take the lead in shaping a safer digital future."

For nearly a year, HMD has worked with thousands of parents through The Better Phone Project, developing real solutions for families. Research found that the average age for a child’s first smartphone is 11, yet 54% of parents regret giving their child a smartphone too soon. Concerns include reduced physical activity, poor sleep, and increased exposure to online risks.

Now, after engaging with parents and teens across 84 countries, HMD is launching two new devices in 2025, starting with the HMD Fusion X1 – a phone that helps kids build healthy digital habits while keeping them safe online.

The UAE-specific research reflects broader global trends. A recent international study of nearly 25,000 parents and children revealed:

51% of children worldwide have been contacted online by strangers.

One in three has been encouraged to take conversations to private messaging apps.

56% of kids report being insulted or made to feel small online.

40% have been exposed to harmful explicit or violent content.

52% of children feel addicted to their screens.

While regulations are tightening worldwide, including in the UAE, parental control solutions remain critical. HMD is responding by creating safer, smarter technology tailored to families’ needs.