38% restrict online time for their kids

dubai — Over 38 per cent of parents in the UAE restrict the time their children spend online to protect them from cyber dangers, a new survey has revealed. More than half of the parents surveyed (51 per cent) felt that online threats to their kids are increasing, according to the survey conducted by Kaspersky Lab and B2B International.

Over 36 per cent of the parents felt their children were viewing inappropriate or explicit content, while 31 per cent felt their children communicated with strangers.

In a 12-month period, 57 per cent of children faced at least one online threat, while one in 10 children accessed inappropriate content.

Over 34 per cent of parents said they “regularly” talk to their kids to teach them about online threats and 38 per cent try to supervise their children while they are accessing the Internet.

“Parents want to keep their children safe, but simply restricting access to the online world isn’t necessarily the best way to do this. Education and communication both play a huge part in ensuring children use the Internet responsibly and safely,” said Dmitry Aleshin, VP for product marketing, Kaspersky Lab.

The study, that surveyed 408 parents in the UAE, also revealed that 50 per cent of them believe threats faced by their children are increasing: from cyberbullying to inappropriate content to stalking on Facebook.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com