Survey shows parents failing to protect children from online material

Parents in Ireland are failing to take basic steps to protect their children online, according to research from internet watchdog, Hotline.ie.

A survey of 1,000 people reveal that just 37% of parents here have installed software to block access to inappropriate websites.

That is despite 67% of respondents saying they are worried about what their children may discover online.

A total of 82% of those polled say they wish there was a simple system to report unpleasant and illegal content and have it removed from the internet.

Commenting on this, Paul Durrant, Hotline.ie manager said: "I’m shocked that so many concerned parents have not taken such basic precautions to protect their children from illegal online activity.

"The internet is a fantastic resource for children when used with care. Simple measures such as filtering software that restricts access to inappropriate sites can make the internet a safer place for children.

"Importantly, parents need to be warned that anti-virus software is not the same as filtering software."

Durrant recommended 10 steps to "surf safer".

1. Teach your children to "Think before you click" - don't upload photographs or videos that compromise others (or yourself) as soon as you post a picture to the internet you lose control of it and can never get it back.

2. Take an interest in what your children are doing online and talk to them about it – this helps you to find out what type of sites your child visits and what activities they do there.

3. Ensure your computer's anti-virus software is up-to-date (the licence will need to be renewed annually).

4. Invest in parental control filtering software – this prevents your children accessing unsuitable sites.

5. Teach your children not to give away personal information (or your personal information) as this can be used by criminals for identity theft.

6. Encourage your children to tell you if anything happens online that "makes them feel uncomfortable".

7. Talk to your children about unacceptable behaviour online i.e. Cyberbullying.

8. Contact your mobile operator about restricted services and dual access to your child’s mobile phone so that you can monitor their use.

9. If you find people on social networks or chat asking your children to do things of an inappropriate sexual nature, keep calm and take all the details that you can (this can include taking a screen shot) and report it.

10. Report online material that you suspect to be illegal to www.hotline.ie.

The survey was conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of Hotline.ie.