As children head back to school, parents are grappling with a new set of concerns, with online safety and misinformation topping the list. A recent poll of 800 parents of children aged 8 to 16 revealed that a staggering 65% consider keeping their children safe online as their primary worry, even surpassing concerns about bullying. This anxiety is particularly acute among parents who are about to give their children their first phone, with 91% expressing worry about the potential risks.
Parents cited a range of online safety concerns, including exposure to inappropriate content (41%), social media trolling (16%), and online predators (22%). Scams (20%) and the influence of online challenges and trends (13%) also contributed to their anxieties.
Recognizing the growing need for support, Tesco Mobile has partnered with Internet Matters to provide comprehensive online safety training for all customer-facing colleagues. This initiative, called ‘Unlocking Little Digital Wins’, aims to equip employees with the knowledge and skills to offer practical advice and guidance to parents on setting up devices safely.
The study also highlights the lack of support available for parents navigating this complex landscape. Nearly a third (28%) of parents believe there isn’t enough support available, and 72% expressed a desire for more.
Jonathan Taylor, CEO of Tesco Mobile, emphasized the importance of connectivity for children’s learning, socialization, and fun, but acknowledged the challenges parents face. He stated, “That’s why we have equipped our colleagues to offer a helping hand and support parents navigating their child’s introduction to the online world – especially when setting up a new device.”
The research underscores the need for open dialogue between parents and children about online safety. A significant majority of parents (79%) plan to have a conversation with their children about staying safe online before giving them a phone. When these conversations take place, 48% of parents will be limiting the amount of time their children spend online, and over a third (34%) will restrict access to gaming apps and social media, allowing only calls and messages.
Ghislaine Bombusa, head of digital at Internet Matters, stated, “With the ever-changing online landscape, parents need support throughout their child’s digital journey and for many families, the journey begins when buying their child a phone. We are pleased to have delivered online safety training to over 3,000 colleagues, equipping them with knowledge to provide advice at point of sale. This means conversations with customers can go beyond merely purchasing the right device, and children’s online safety is integrated with smartphone ownership from the start.”
The poll provides valuable insights into the anxieties of parents in the digital age. It emphasizes the importance of providing parents with the support and resources they need to navigate the online world alongside their children and ensure a safe and positive digital experience.
