Apps are the latest challenge to parent vigilance
PARENTS are being encouraged to pay more attention to the apps their children download after new research found that nearly a third do not monitor the downloads their children make to their smartphones.
Internet Matters, the child internet safety organisation that was launched earlier this year by the UK’s four largest web providers – BT, Virgin Media, Sky and TalkTalk, revealed that its latest study showed 29 per cent of parents of primary schoolaged children did not require them to ask for permission before downloading apps on to their devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Carolyn Bunting, general manager of Internet Matters, said: “There are over three million apps available and this number increases daily.
“Understandably, parents find it difficult to keep track of the apps that their children use. Many apps are great learning or entertainment tools but some may create risky situations for children and could put them in harm’s way.”
The Internet Matters site was created specifically to give parents information on all aspects of the internet, and the site confirmed it has now added a dedicated apps section to its site.
“We want to encourage parents to talk about these issues and to help we have created a comprehensive App Guide for Parents on internetmatters.org,” said Ms Bunting.
The site has created a fivepoint plan to help parents better protect their children from any malicious software that may lie in apps, including anonymous messaging services.
The advice highlights the need to not give children access to account passwords, as well as check the privacy settings on their device to ensure they are safe.
Educating youngsters about being vigilant, brushing up on apps knowledge yourself and helping youngsters create their social media accounts once they are old enough are also suggested tips for parents.
Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter both say in their terms of service that users must be at least 13 years old in order to have a profile.