‘Half of parents do not check who their child speaks to online’

ONLY half of parents who bought their children an internet-connected gadget for Christmas will check who their children are speaking to online, new research claims.

A survey by Barnardo’s, the children’s charity, has found just 55 per cent of parents will monitor who their children speak to online, despite 88 per cent admitting there are potential risks to children in cyberspace.

According to the research, more than half of the devices bought – predominantly smartphones and tablets – were for children aged 10 and under.

Javed Khan, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “At Barnardo’s we understand how vital the online world is to children, but also how the risks can damage their childhood.

“Internet-connected devices like tablets can also come in the guise of harmless dolls or teddy bears and potentially allow strangers to pinpoint your address, obtain your child’s name and birthday, download their photo and even listen in on conversations.

“We’re not saying don’t buy or allow your children to enjoy these, but we are urging parents to ensure their children are as safe as possible by ensuring privacy settings are at maximum and that they monitor who their children are communicating with.”

The survey says only 60 per cent of parents would activate the maximum privacy settings on a new device, designed to keep young users safe online.