Parents' Lack of Technical Skills Exposes Children to Internet Risks

Strategic Insights -

A report by children's charity NCH reveals that many parents are unaware of their children's online activities, leaving them vulnerable to internet risks such as pornography, violence, and unsuitable content. The research, conducted in partnership with Tesco Telecoms, highlights significant knowledge gaps among parents regarding internet technology, including blogs, chatrooms, and text messages. The study found that 67% of parents were unaware of blogs, while only 1% of parents thought their children used them. In contrast, one-third of 11- to 16-year-olds regularly used the internet for blogging, uploading personal details and information.

Key Takeaways:

  • A staggering 67% of parents lacked knowledge about blogs, with only 1% thinking their children used them.
  • One-third of 11- to 16-year-olds regularly used the internet for blogging, uploading personal details and information.
  • 53% of children reported that their parents never or hardly ever supervised their internet use.
  • 81% of parents claimed to know what their children were doing online at all times, contradicting the actual findings.
  • Four in ten parents did not know how to block their children from viewing certain online content.
  • nearly half (46%) of 11- to 16-year-olds were confident they could get around internet blocks used by parents.
  • 7 out of 10 parents admitted knowing less about mobile phones than their children.
  • 57% of parents said they knew less about the internet than their children.

Statistics:

  • 67% of parents lacked knowledge about blogs.
  • 1% of parents thought their children used blogs.
  • 33% of 11- to 16-year-olds regularly used the internet for blogging.
  • 53% of children's parents never or hardly ever supervised their internet use.
  • 81% of parents claimed they knew what their children were doing online at all times.
  • 4 in 10 parents did not know how to block their children from viewing certain online content.
  • 46% of 11- to 16-year-olds were confident they could get around internet blocks.
  • 70% of parents knew less about mobile phones than their children.
  • 57% of parents knew less about the internet than their children.

Sources:

  • NCH report, date not specified.
  • Tesco Telecoms research in partnership with NCH.
  • Survey carried out by ICM, date not specified, sample size 1,003 parents and 1,003 youngsters aged 11-16.