We need to keep kids safe online (Picture: Getty Images)
From stranger danger to asking permission before downloading, research reveals what online rules parents have set to keep their kids safe online.
Commissioned by Tesco Mobile and Internet Matters, the poll of 1,000 mums and dads with children aged four to 13 shows that these rules include not accepting requests from strangers, never sharing personal information and asking permission before downloading anything.
As well as that, parents told their kids to only talk to real-life friends or family members and to not save any bank card details online.
However, almost 10 per cent of parents surveyed have no rules for their children to follow when they are online, despite 34 per cent worrying about their child’s safety on the internet.
And only 32 per cent have controls in place for images and videos that their child posts on social media.
What are the top ten online internet safety rules?
Don’t share personal information
Don’t share your address
Ask permission before downloading anything
Don’t pay for anything online
Don’t put any bank card details online
Only talk to real-life friends or family members
Don’t share any personal information on social media platforms
Don’t accept friends on social media platforms if you don’t know them
Don’t call people names/be horrible in group chats
‘We know the importance of staying connected and the opportunities technology can unlock for children,’ said Rachel Swift, Tesco Mobile chief customer officer.
‘It’s clear from this research that many families face challenges knowing how to keep their children safe online.’
The study also found 49 per cent of parents struggle to decide which online safety rules to implement in general.
However, showing some stark generational differences, eight in 10 would allow a child under 13 access to the internet – while the parents polled didn’t get online until they were 19.
It also emerged 45 per cent are unsure about the usual amount of online freedom a child should have, with more than half blaming it on these sorts of guidelines not being around when they were young.
‘Giving your child their first mobile can be a difficult decision,’ Carolyn Bunting MBE, Internet Matters Co-CEO, said.
‘That’s why we’re delighted to have partnered with Tesco Mobile, to create the Little Digital Helps Toolkit, a place where parents can go to receive tailored advice and guidance on setting the right controls for their children’s devices and online activity.’
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Keep your kids safe online.