‘Most parents unclear on social media age limits’

THE majority of adults in Wales have no idea when children are considered old enough to be using social networks like Facebook and Snapchat, new figures suggest.

The NSPCC is urging social media companies to make age restrictions much clearer on sign-up pages and is offering advice to families to help keep children safe online.

A survey of adults carried out for the NSPCC found that more than half (54%) of those surveyed in Wales were unaware that social media sites like Facebook require users to be 13 years old and over.

And shockingly one in five thought there were no age requirements at all.

The charity said social media can provide “important support networks” for young people.

But the sites can also be a dangerous place for younger children – potentially exposing them to bullying, inappropriate content or grooming.

Calls to the NSPCC’s Childline service calls show that children under the age of 13 are using social networks and are in some cases having negative experiences online.

One 11-year-old caller told counsellors: “I’m really upset – the other day my friend showed me some horrible pictures that people were posting on Instagram of me.

“Some people at school have taken pictures of me and put silly tags on the pictures and put funny faces over mine. I’ve been bullied before and now it’s on Instagram and I can’t seem get away from it and everyone else can see it too.”

And a 12-year-old girl who contacted Childline said: “I was playing dares with a boy from my school then he dared me to send nudes and I did.

“I feel ashamed and embarrassed and I don’t know why I did it.

“Now I have fallen out with him he has sent the photo to everyone all over Instagram and Facebook and Snapchat and I keep getting abuse at school and online saying I’m rotten and a slag.”

Des Mannion, head of NSPCC Cymru, said: “We can all do our bit to keep children safe online.

“Age restrictions need to reflect the content and conduct possible on each site.

“Parents can be proactive by having conversations with their children about online safety as soon as they start using the internet.”