The top rules parents have for their child’s online safety include not accepting requests from strangers, never sharing personal information and asking permission before downloading anything.
Others were to only talk to real friends or family members and not save bank card details online.
The poll of 1,000 moms and dads with children aged four-13 also stipulated no name-calling in group chats.
But almost one in 10 parents have NO online rules for their children, despite 34% worrying about their internet safety.
While only 32% have controls in place for images and videos that their child posts on social media.
The survey was commissioned by Tesco Mobile and Internet Matters to launch the Little Digital Helps Toolkit.
“We know the importance of staying connected and the opportunities’ technology can unlock for children,” said Rachel Swift, Tesco Mobile chief customer officer.
“But it’s clear from this research that many families face challenges knowing how to keep their children safe online.”
The study also found 49% of parents struggle to decide which internet safety rules to implement in general.
But to show the stark generational differences, eight in 10 would allow a child under 13 access to the internet.
However, the parents polled didn’t get online until they were 19.
It also emerged 45% are unsure about the usual amount of internet freedom a child should have.
More than half (52%) blame it on these sorts of guidelines not being around when they were young.
And 76% wish the world was as simple for children as it used to be, before internet safety became an issue.
“Giving your child their first mobile can be a difficult decision,” said Carolyn Bunting MBE, Internet Matters Co-CEO.
“That’s why we’re delighted to have partnered with Tesco Mobile, to create the Little Digital Helps Toolkit.
“It’s a place where parents can receive tailored advice and guidance on setting the right controls for their children’s devices and online activity.
“The personalized advice will give parents the peace of mind and reassurance that they have set up their child’s device in a safe and age-appropriate way.”
The toolkit offers guidance on how to protect children from excessive screen time, consuming fake news, spending money online, being exposed to inappropriate content, grooming and cyberbullying.
TOP 10 ONLINE RULES PARENTS HAVE IN PLACE
- Don’t accept requests from strangers
- 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
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
