One in 10 children is being bullied online

CHILDREN are experiencing more harm online due to extra computer use during the pandemic, a report has warned.

There are now increased risks of bullying, inappropriate websites and grooming, it was said.

Since January 2020, parents have reported a 42 per cent rise in children viewing content promoting self-harm or suicide and a 39 per cent increase in sharing sexual images.

And a quarter of vulnerable children were bullied online in the last year, compared to 10 per cent of nonvulnerable children, the study found.

The study of 2,000 parents by Internet Matters found 56 per cent believed their children’s online world had a positive impact on their life since the pandemic began. But 63 per cent now want advice on how to cut their child’s screen time, with 53 per cent saying youngsters have become too reliant on online technology.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos, ambassador of Internet Matters, said: “Children have come to rely on technology more than ever during the pandemic, spending several hours a day online.

“This gives them increased exposure to all of the risks that go with it.”

Parental concern about cyber bullying increased by 24 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Throughout the report there is also confirmation that children with special needs have been disproportionately affected by the impact of lockdown.

Parents reported a 40 per cent rise in their vulnerable child’s experience of peer pressure to do things online they would not normally do.

There was also a 50 per cent increase in fraud and identity theft and a 37 per cent increase in youngsters suffering damage to their reputation due to their online activity.

Carolyn Bunting, chief executive of Internet Matters, said: “This report brings up the need for more support for parents as they battle to keep on top of technology.

“Vulnerable children are the greatest concern. We’re campaigning for children with vulnerabilities to be routinely asked about their online lives.”