Seven in ten children think internet is unsafe – but continue to put themselves at risk

And slightly below 4 in ten (37 p.c) mentioned they play video games the place they don’t know the gamers they’re connecting with.

One other one in three (32 p.c) admitted they’ve watched content material they know may not be applicable for his or her age.

And three in ten use the identical password for every little thing on the web – with 22 p.c sharing logins with buddies.

The analysis was carried out by EE, which has created the PhoneSmart Licence – a free on-line programme that gives younger folks with the instruments and confidence to remain secure and be sort on-line.

Mat Sears, company affairs and communications director of BT and EE, mentioned: “With web use extra in style than ever, it’s no shock that youngsters who’ve grown up in a world of expertise are oblivious to the potential risks that include it.

“There must be extra on the market for kids round on-line security, as a result of mother and father don’t essentially have all of the instruments or information to show youngsters themselves.

“In case your youngsters perceive the hazards of being on-line, then that is step one in direction of making certain they’ve a wholesome and secure relationship with each you and their on-line exercise.

“Created in collaboration with consultants from Web Issues, the PhoneSmart licence teaches children about key parts of telephone security throughout 4 modules – on-line hate, digital wellbeing, staying secure on-line, and digital and media literacy.”

Greater than half of the 300 mother and father polled, with youngsters aged eight to 13, mentioned they know their little one has accounts with social media websites reminiscent of Fb and Instagram.

However one in ten weren’t conscious of the age limits these websites have, and that it might be unlawful for his or her little one to make use of them.

It was discovered 43 p.c make a aware effort to watch all of their little one’s on-line exercise – from cell phone utilization, to on-line gaming platforms and social media.

Almost two-thirds mentioned they take steps to guard their little one from on-line risks (64 p.c).

Speaking to their youngsters in regards to the risks, proscribing their use of websites, video games and social media, and utilizing safety blockers, have been the highest issues mother and father do in a bid to guard their children.

The analysis additionally discovered almost half (46 p.c) of youngsters who imagine the web is secure assume so as a result of it has by no means harm them or anybody they know.

An extra 43 p.c assume it’s regular for kids to make use of the web and go surfing.

Of the kids that took half within the survey, by OnePoll, 49 p.c mentioned they might really feel omitted in the event that they weren’t allowed to make use of the web, whereas 47 p.c could be disillusioned and 36 p.c would really feel “uncool”.

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Web Issues, mentioned: “Despite the fact that the web is now second nature to us and the way we dwell our on a regular basis lives, there’s nonetheless a terrific want for sources reminiscent of PhoneSmart to coach and have interaction younger folks, so they’re ready to navigate the dangers they may face within the digital world.”