More than a quarter of parents believe their children have been exposed to online risks, such as accessing inappropriate content or cyber bullying in the past 12 months, according to a Kaspersky Lab study. Despite this, research to mark Safer Internet Day - taking place today - has found that one in five parents takes no action to govern their children’s online activity – whether on the home computer or mobile devices.
“Regardless of how their children are accessing the internet, parents must remain vigilant, supervise their internet use and consider parental control technologies. However, as a parent myself, I find these statistics particularly worrying when you consider the increasing number of children using connected smartphones today. After all, when children use mobile devices to access the web, they are using the same internet, with the same risks – yet parents are often not as aware of the dangers,” says David Emm, senior security researcher at Kaspersky Lab.
The study also found that 18 per cent of parents had lost money or data from their personal device as a result of their child’s unmonitored access. With smartphone apps often being blamed in the press for children inadvertently spending hundreds of pounds, effective controls and open channels of communication around smartphone use is imperative.
David Emm continues: “There is a common misconception that smartphones and tablets don’t need the same level of protection as a PC, but with such a high percentage of parents not having a clear view of their children’s online activity, this way of thinking needs to change. The internet is an incredible resource, both for social use and in an educational capacity. But in the same way as we would teach our children to cross the road safely, we must teach them to be aware of, and respect, the dangers of the internet. Just because a threat is out of sight, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep it front of mind.”
David Emm offers the following tips to stay safe online:
Both Android smartphones and iPhones come with in-built parental controls – when purchasing a smartphone, ask the sales assistants to demonstrate these features. They have policies in place and a responsibility to make parents aware of these. By creating a demand, it is more likely they will let other parents know.
Apply settings that prevent in-app purchases to save hefty bills should children stumble across a game with expensive add-ons.
Install security software – these providers will offer apps to filter out inappropriate content, for example, adult images and senders of nuisance SMS messages.
Encourage children to talk about their online experience and in particular, anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Open a channel of communication so they feel they can discuss all areas of their online life without fear of judgement or reprimand.
Protecting children from cyber bullies is especially challenging with smartphones as they can be targeted in so many ways, especially out of view of their parents. Deal with cyber bullying as you would in real life by encouraging children to be open and talk to a trusted adult if they experience any threatening or inappropriate messages. Numbers and contacts on apps can both be blocked if they are making children uncomfortable.
Use the internet for good – there are sites that can advise both parents and children on how to manage online threats. Take a look at http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/.
In response to these online threats that children are increasingly facing, Kaspersky Lab now offers a multi-device version of Kaspersky Internet Security. The security software provides real-time protection for multiple Windows PCs, Macs and Android smartphones and tablets, all with a single licence allowing families to be protected on every device in their home and keep their children safe online. For more information on products and advice from Kaspersky Lab, visit www.kaspersky.co.uk.
In honour of Safer Internet Day, Kaspersky have kindly offered to give a copy of their Internet Security (Multi-Device) away to one lucky Madhouse Family Reviews reader. Fill in your entries on the Rafflecopter widget below.
UK only. Closing date : 25/2/14
T & C's : Entries close at midnight on the closing date. Winners will be selected with a random number generator and announced on facebook, twitter and in the giveaway post subject line. Please note, you will be contacted by email and/or twitter and if I haven't heard from you after a week, I'll have to pick another winner. Prizes will be sent out by the companies or their PR directly to winners. Madhouse Family Reviews cannot be held responsible for any prizes that go astray !
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I keep an eye on things all the time!
ReplyDeleteAshleigh
My son is 21 so I no longer have to be responsible, phew what a relief! Its really hard, I never had any problems but it gets harder all the time!
ReplyDeletei watch when they are on line and have had extensive conversations about how to spot strange requests on line
ReplyDeleteI always police what they can access, i dont let them take the laptop into their rooms.
DeleteI don't have kids at home now. I still worry though about kids in general and what they can access to.
ReplyDeleteKaren d
they have childrens tablets and we set parental controls for their age ranges
ReplyDeleteI use the freetime feature on the kindle so I get to control what she can access
ReplyDeletecommented on A proposal to blow your loved one away this Valentine's Day ?!
ReplyDeleteI only allow my 2 sons to use the internet in the same room as myself or their mum - we dont generally restrict them. They have mobile phones for emergency and to contact friends by txt or phone - We dont restrict them more than the standard safeware, but we can always glance to see that all is OK. There is nothing wrong with internet access but we do operate a small control i expect - my sons are quite happy with this, they are more bothered to chat with friends and play games than any sex stuff.
ReplyDeleteSpencer Broadley
s.broad@hotmail.co.uk
great prize, its so important to have internet security even on devices other than computers and laptops.
ReplyDeleteMonitor everything
ReplyDeletei supervise all the time and the computer is in the living room so the kids can't go on it unnoticed.
ReplyDeletei commented on pro plan duo delice review
ReplyDeleteMy little man isn't old enough to go online yet but he often hovers to see what I'm doing so he's easy to supervise!
ReplyDeleteI use a program that times how long you can stay online and some sites are filtered. To enhance social life, I have allowed for sites such as club penguin to be used but safe talk is enabled. I've also taught them how to block and report users.
ReplyDeleteI commented on the Little Mix post.
my kids have not got their own devices so have only really played on moshi monstersbut now they are getting older will have to think about security
ReplyDeleteI make sure I supervise all internet use
ReplyDeleteI always sit with them
ReplyDeleteUse Kaspersky software!
ReplyDeletekeep an eye on all things to do with the internet
ReplyDeleteI never leave them unsupervised and turn off the internet if they're just playing a game on the tablet.
ReplyDeleteMonitor everything
ReplyDeleteEducate them about the dangers that being online can pose.
ReplyDeleteensure I have blocks on and monitor
ReplyDeleteblocks and monitoring!
ReplyDeleteit's best to supervise all internet use
ReplyDeleteI have block and also I check browsing history,
ReplyDeleteI try to stay well informed. I seek information, advice and support from those I know who are experienced regarding technology etc, and trust.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
I commented on blog :- Finding Nemo Soft & Gentle Bubbly Bath Review.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
My lo is primary age so I keep an eye on while shes doing homework
ReplyDeleteGot him a childrens tablet which only allows access to specific web sites
ReplyDeleteMy mum and dad had the computer on the landing, checked my sites regularly and even signed into my MSN account to chat with my contacts!
ReplyDeleteMine are older now (youngest is in his final year at uni - argh!!) but always made sure we had up to date virus/malware/ and had access to their MSN/FB contacts etc
ReplyDeleteCommented on .. do you know the way to st Albans .. I do.
ReplyDeletetalk to them and explain everything
ReplyDeleteHis computer is next to mine so I can look over.
ReplyDeleteWe have the family friendly filters and I keep an eye on what they are doing whilst online.
ReplyDeleteAlways monitor which websites they use and ban them from internet chatrooms!
ReplyDeleteDon't let your kids go online unless you are sitting right next to them and you have had the stay safe online talk. You can also restrict which websites they can go to by using the admin options for what can be allowed on their log in account.
ReplyDeleteInformation is the key - my teenagers are aware not to trust anyone they don't know online or give out personal information, of course I am still a presence when they are online as a reminder. The younger always go online when I am with them :)
ReplyDeletekeep watch even though i tell them constantly about bad people on there and no adult sites allowed
ReplyDeleteMy son is 15 now and very sensible. Has always known to ask me before clicking on anything he shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteMy kids know about safety online my computer is in the livingroom where I sit and the screen faces me so I can keep a constant eye on them I also monitor their activity and they know not to give any name and address out or even what school they go to.
ReplyDeleteI limit my children to 1 hour of play on smart devices a day and restrict them to use only educational apps. I then get them to write down what they learnt afterwards as a way of checking what they got up too.
ReplyDeletemonitor internet history
ReplyDeleteLimit their internet time and only in the same room as everyone else
ReplyDeletehave set internet times xxxxx
ReplyDeletei use norton family protection which blocks any inapropriate pages
ReplyDeleteabsolutely nothing apart from talking to them. they'll get round anything else i do so what's the point?
ReplyDeleteI keep an eye on what my son is doing and control all things on his computer.
ReplyDeleteMy daughters are grown up but I remind them of the dangers by talking to them.
ReplyDeleteMonitor their internet history
ReplyDeleteMy son has his own computer in his room (his older brothers hand me down!) But my Husband checks it every day whilst he's at school so we can see what he's done & where he's visited.
ReplyDeleteI make sure I am in the same room when they are surfing!
ReplyDeleteMonitor and trust them.
ReplyDeleteParental controls are set on everything, and we also check the history.
ReplyDeleteNo idea what Klout or Kred are.
ReplyDeleteI'm forever checking up on what they have been up to and their phone both have parental control settings on them. The eldest is at an age (13) where I have discussed the dangers of the ner too
ReplyDeleteMake them access the internet whislt family around and be aware of what theya re doing :)
ReplyDeleteYou need to teach them just like you would so that they don't speak to strangers or get into a car as someone offers them sweets!
ReplyDelete@jamiecomps
block adult websites and moniter them
ReplyDeleteSupervise and parental controls, plus tell him about issues
ReplyDeleteI make sure that i put parental controls on any devices also i have access to any of the social media there are connected to
ReplyDeleteEllie is still young so she is supervised all the time, usually using apps, however later on I will be using the parental controls
ReplyDeleteMonitor internet usage
ReplyDeleteinternet is only used in living room and only for limited time parental controls are also in place
ReplyDeleteMonitoring their use of the internet
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is 14 and understands the dangers of the internet. If she gets any new requests she always shows me and then if we dont know them they are deleted xxxx
ReplyDeleteI try to supervious the kids as much as i can and kids are only aloud on social networking sites using the passwords/accounts/passwords I set up from them and know only to add people they Know.I still worry and need to look at more ways to help keep them safe!
ReplyDeleteThey only have access to a computer downstairs ;-)
ReplyDeleteSit with them when they are on the computer
ReplyDeleteThey are not allowed computers/laptops in their bedrooms and I'm always checking what they are doing and we have parental controls too
ReplyDeleteCommented here: http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/madhouse-recipe-kids-happy-face-salad.html?showComment=1393259708726#c1585780906794527844
ReplyDeletemake sure they don't talk to any one Barbara s
ReplyDeleteShare time on the computer rather than separately.
ReplyDeleteMonitor and time limit!
ReplyDeletekeep a close eye
ReplyDeleteConstant monitoring and parental controls implented on internet devices
ReplyDeleteI have the computer downstairs so I can monitor what they are viewing.
ReplyDeletekeep an eye on the sites they visit
ReplyDeleteDont let him on the computer (he is only 7 moths old so this will work for a while yet!)
ReplyDeleteMy little girl isn't old enough yet but like to read other people's advice and get ourselves prepared.
ReplyDeleteExplain the dangers and set the setting to keep them safe x
ReplyDeletehave family security on so only can access age appropriate sites
ReplyDeleteInstall parental controls.
ReplyDeleteMake sure they are supervised
ReplyDeleteI have explained the dangers to them and made their facebook settings as safe as possible and randomly check their accounts and settings which they know so it helps them keep aware. - Natalie Gillham
ReplyDeleteparental controls and always in same room as me when on computer
ReplyDeletefirewalls, supervision, blocking all-night usage
ReplyDeleteI never let my kids go on the internet unsupervised.
ReplyDeleteWe have parental controls on our computer which restricts what type of content the children can access, even by accident. When my little one is on the computer, she is always fully monitored and supervised. My older children and I have had extensive conversations about Internet Safety.
ReplyDeleteMonitor everything and only allow use if in same room
ReplyDeleteMake sure the kids' computer is positioned where I can see what is happening.
ReplyDeleteI install filters with a randomly generated password ( thank you Roboform and occasionally review their internet history. But the best thing is encourage debate on the subject.
ReplyDeleteWe have the computer and laptops in sight most of the time as both my girls are 13 and 15 and social network sites scare me in as much as you don't know who you're talking too.
ReplyDeleteThey are also only allowed to add friends not strangers, we have also gone through all the dangers of the internet, but at the end of the day you have to have some level of trust that they will behave appropriately while online!
Go on the internet with them.
ReplyDeleteDont let them go on the internet out of our sight
ReplyDeleteThey are only allowed on the internet when i am watching them
ReplyDeleteno kids
ReplyDeleteI set up age restrictions on all their devices and have myself as the admin
ReplyDeleteMonitor what sites they are looking at.
ReplyDeleteMy son doesn't go on the internet yet but when he does he will only be allowed to go on in a family room.
ReplyDeleteI watch over them so they don't go onto anything they are not supposed to and I also use parental controls.
ReplyDeletei keep checking the internet history :)
ReplyDeleteI would never impose such intense monitoring techniques on my kids as it would just cause resentment and make them have to do things behind my back. Surely the best way to keep your kids safe online is to simply educate them properly rather than relying on gadgets like parental controls
ReplyDeleteHi, can't find the g+1 button, please don't discredit my entry!
ReplyDeleteI just monitor my daughter when she's online :)
I have a parental control software
ReplyDelete