• Nearly six million Brits (11 per cent) are using smart devices to monitor those around them
• Children are the most likely to be monitored (23 per cent), followed by employees such as; cleaners and babysitters (20 per cent), partners and parents (both 14 per cent)
• 43 per cent of parents who would monitor their child believe their child’s safety is more important than their independence – just like Jamie Oliver who is open about tracking his teenage daughters movements
• Smart home technology can reduce the impact of a leak, fire or burglary by sending you an alert as soon as something happens

New research¹ from Direct Line Home Insurance reveals nearly six million people (11 per cent) across the country are using smart devices such as; phone locating software (e.g. find my iPhone), indoor security cameras, smart door bells and other devices to play ‘Big Brother’.

Of those who track the people around them, over 2 million (four per cent) do so without telling them they are being watched or monitored. This number could grow substantially, as over 12 million people (24 per cent) who do not use their smart technology to track others admit they probably would consider doing so in the future.

The group most likely to be monitored are children, with almost four million parents (13 per cent) already monitoring their offspring and nearly eight million (27 per cent) intending to do so in the future. Of those who said they would track their child, a quarter of parents (24 per cent) would do so without telling them. 

The main reason why parents monitor their children is for peace of mind (54 per cent), with more than two fifths (43 per cent) of parents believing their child’s safety is more important than their independence and use technology to ensure there have not been any accidents and their children aren’t in any danger. One in eight (13 per cent), however, do not trust other adults around their children and one in nine (11 per cent) admit they can’t trust that their child is being honest.

Table one: Percentage of people who do or would use smart technology to monitor others

Source: Direct Line Home Insurance 2018

One in five (20 per cent) Brits also admitted they would happily monitor an employee, like a babysitter or cleaner, remotely using smart technology and almost half (43 per cent) of these people do not think they would tell them they were being watched.

Technology also allows people to keep tabs on their partners, with one in 20 (five per cent) people already monitoring their partners and a further 4.7 million saying they would if they were given the opportunity. This does, however, raise concerns over privacy, as a third (34 per cent) would keep their surveillance habits a secret from their partner.  

Jenny Trueman, Head of Connected Homes and Product Innovation at Direct Line, commented: “Smart technologies have grown in popularity at an increasing rate in recent years, with many of us monitoring our homes whilst we’re out at work or away from home.

“Smart technology in the home can be incredibly beneficial from a security and safety perspective, reducing the impact of a leak, fire or burglary by sending you an alert as soon as something happens. However, it is also worth ensuring that you have adequate home insurance in place in case the worst happens, as for many the impact of a incident in your home is only realised when it’s too late.”

A quarter of parents (26 per cent) admit to tracking their children using apps like find my friend and Life360. Even celebrity parents such as Jamie Oliver openly discuss tracking their children in this way. One in four (23 per cent) admit that they would even log in to their child’s social media accounts to check what they are up to and 10 per cent would take this even further and respond to social media messaging for their child without permission.

Case studies:

Claire from Canterbury said: “The smart heating device I have at home can detect movement and sends me notifications when it senses someone in the house, so I often use this to check when our cleaner arrives. This would also come in useful if my home was broken into when we’re not home.”

Simon from Orpington said: “I was given a smart camera by my electricity company; I didn’t think I’d find a use for it, but since having it, I’ve been able to keep a closer eye on my teenage sons coming and going. I can check they’ve left for school on time, see if they’ve bought friends home and check that they are safe.”

Note: Simon’s children know the camera is there and monitoring the house.

City breakdown where parents are or would consider using software (such as mSpy or Find My iPhone) to monitor children

Source: Direct Line Home Insurance 2018

- ENDS -

 

Notes to Editors

 

• 1Research conducted by Opinium amongst 2,004 UK adults between 14th – 17th September 2018 

*    Regions have a low base size so should be viewed as indicative only

 

For further information please contact:

 

Claire Jarrett 
Direct Line PR Manager
Tel: 01651 832 411
Email: [email protected]

Samantha Stewart

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

[email protected]

0207 282 2856

 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

 

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

 

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/home-cover