Almost half of parents in Brighton exaggerate their social media posts to make it look like their lives are “perfect”, according to new research.

The study into UK parents’ social media habits reveals that nearly one in four dads hope their pictures and posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram will make them “envied’ by other men - while one in five women want to be socially accepted by their peers.

Almost half of parents in Brighton quizzed (44 per cent) said they use social media to give the impression their life is perfect, often as a result of seeing similar posts by other mums and dads.

When asked why, over a third (36 per cent) claim its due to peer pressure, claiming that everyone else does it so they feel that they have to as well.

Additionally fear of judgement from family and friends (14 per cent), wanting to be socially accepted (21 per cent) and the fact it makes them feel better about themselves (29 per cent) most influences them.

Almost a third said they feel the need to put a “glossy shine” on their social media posts, so they don’t look like they are struggling (29 per cent).

The study was carried out by children’s snack company Fruit Bowl.

Susanne Fraser, spokeswoman for Fruit Bowl said, “Being a parent is like trying to build a puzzle while the pieces are constantly moving, and let’s be honest, parenting is rarely Insta-grid worthy.

“Parents have enough on their plates raising their family without having the added pressure of social media judgement. While we all love a glossy Insta-grid, a sprinkle of real life won’t do anyone any harm and you never know, it could just inspire others to make it real too.”

The survey also asked UK parents how it makes them feel when they see a perfect post from friends on social media.

Almost a fifth of parents in Brighton admitted that they wished their life was like that and wondered how their friends do it (16 per cent), almost one in ten said it is annoying (nine per cent) and nine per cent of parents say they are showing off.

However, over one in ten of Brighton parents claimed not to be bothered by it, believing it is all fake (13 per cent). Just under half (44 per cent) say they are happy for them however, and six per cent feel guilty for judging their friends.

This January Fruit Bowl is #makingitreal and encouraging the nation’s parents to share their honest parenting moments.