It’s a hot topic right now, kids online, kids and social media and kids safety overall in a world of the internet, connectivity and so much more. All the more worrying when you see the results of an enormous survey conducted by HMD into this very issue.

Speaking to over 12,000 kids (aged 8-15) and 12,000 parents across the UK, US, Australia, India, UAE & Germany, you might want to sit down if you’re a parent because what you’re about to read are some troubling stats.

Remember, these come from speaking to over 12,000 kids….

51% of kids have been contacted online by strangers. One in three has been encouraged to take that conversation to a different platform or secure chat app.

What?

That should be the single most worrying statistic you’ve read in some time.

Add to thats 56% of kids report having been insulted or feeling small online – you can see why this is a national debate right now, but banning a few apps might not even scratch the surface of the issue with 52% of kids feeling they might be addicted to their screens.

For this reason, HMD is taking a leadership position in trying to offer solutions for parents and kids – not dissimilar to how they are ahead of the changing regulations around repairability.

Kicking this off is a new device, the HMD Fusion X1 which is billed as the first step device into the digital world, giving kids some independence, while offering parents the controls they want.

What they’ve done is identify that these kids smartwatches in the market are very popular and have built in core restrictions that allow parents to control who contacts the kids and who they can contact, while also understanding their location in real-time.

Teaming up with a Norwegian leader in that kids smartwatch space “Xplora” HMD has brought features to their new HMD Fusion X1 through subscription, including parental controls, social media and browser controls (turning them on or off) as well as pre-approval for Call and SMS contacts, setting up location safe zones and tracking.

Critically also, you can set blocks around certain times like bedtime or school time where the device is not accessible.

Simple, but not readily available as a device based set of controls, these features are built into the phone – out of the box, making it less likely the kids will sneak their way around your controls.

HMD’s Chief Marketing Officer Lars Silberbauer says “Smartphones aren’t just tech—they shape childhoods, family dynamics, and society itself. Few companies are building solutions with children and parents in mind. We are working with parents to do exactly that.  The Better Phone Project is proof that change is possible when families—not corporations—lead the conversation.

This is about giving parents real choices. The HMD Fusion X1 with Xplora and technology planned with SafeToNet are just the start. Together, we’re pushing for a future where kids are empowered to use technology in a safer way, and parents have the tools for added protection and peace of mind.”

No word yet on when the Fusion X1 will hit Australia, but it is certainly coming.