20 years ago, parents didn’t even have to think about how the internet could be affecting their children. Nowadays, though, most youngsters in the west have access to the online world. There are many benefits that come with having this incredible tool, but there are also some perils that parents need to be aware of.
ExpressVPN has conducted a detailed study into the social media habits of children, and it has discovered some interesting facts: ExpressVPN’s research brings to light some of the main issues and gives parents some advice about how they can best protect their children when they are using social media.
What are the Key Facts from the Research?
There are loads of fascinating facts and statistics from the recent research conducted into children’s habits on social media. For example, the study found that some four-year-olds spend up to 21 minutes a day on social media sites like YouTube. As children get older, the average time spent on these platforms gradually increases.
This isn’t the only study of its kind. Indeed, there have been various other pieces of research that have brought to light some intriguing facts about children’s relationship with the internet and social media. For instance, Common Sense found that 42 per cent of kids aged between four and six have their own tablet or smartphone. 77 per cent of that same demographic have access to the internet.
With the ease of access to social media, some scary statistics have also emerged. A vast number of children have experienced somebody being rude to them online, and many have seen scary videos as well. These were the top two threats, with 34 per cent and 31 per cent of those surveyed reporting that they had encountered them.
How Can Parents Protect Their Children and Help Them Browse Safely?
It’s clear from this research that there are plenty of risks for children when they access the internet. It’s a sprawling virtual landscape in which it’s very hard for parents to police activity all of the time. That’s why there should be education about the best pre-emptive measures to take before youngsters go online.
The University of Derby has made various suggestions about how parents and teachers can team up to keep children safe in the virtual sphere. It emphasises the need for open discussion about some of the perils that they may encounter. It can also involve reassurance that if they experience problems, they can feel comfortable about sharing them with trusted adults.
Parents can also employ strategies to reduce the chances of their children coming across harmful content online. This could involve using a website blocker to filter out adult websites, or a VPN that can help hide the IP address from cyber criminals.
By staying informed and keeping up to date with all the facts about internet use, parents can give themselves a good chance of keeping their children safe. It’s wise to follow the news, as the digital world is constantly evolving and changing.
