Majority of North East kids ‘don’t feel protected’ on social media

Four out of five children feel that social media companies must do more to protect them from inappropriate or harmful content, according to new research.

The NSPCC and O2 found kids did not feel protected enough from things like pornography, self-harm, bullying and hatred on their sites.

The findings are revealed in the latest Net Aware guide, the UK’s only parents’ guide to 39 of the most popular social media sites, apps, and games used by young people, produced by the NSPCC in partnership with O2.

When polled children rated ASKfm, Omegle, IMVU, and Facebook as some of the most risky sites, prompting the NSPCC and O2 to urge parents to look beyond the “big names” and find out about the lesser known apps their children are using.

A girl, aged 16, who reviewed ASKfm, said: “It had no strict controls which led to lots of hurtful messages being spread about people, which I believe contributed to people self-harming or just feeling negative about themselves.”

A 15-year-old girl who reviewed IMVU said: “There are some people on the site who are very unstable and vulnerable who are taken advantage of.”

Net Aware is a guide for parents of the most popular social media sites, apps, and games used by young people, keeping them up to date with the latest reviews, news, and warnings relating to their child’s online world.

Pokemon Go, Periscope, IMVU, and Live.ly are amongst the new apps to be featured on Net Aware, along with the more well-known sites including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless said:

“Social media is a great way for young people to stay in touch with their friends but our research clearly shows that children do not feel that they are shielded from upsetting, dangerous, and adult content. It’s vital parents know about their child’s online world and regularly talk with their children about how to get help if they need it.

“We all know that the internet develops at breakneck speed and it can feel nearly impossible to keep up with all of the constantly changing sites, games, and apps that young people use. Net Aware does all the work for parents by updating them with information, risks, and issues on sites their children are using.

“Rather than trying to work out which app is trending or hearing second hand about which site poses a risk, parents can turn to the Net Aware hub for all the information, support, and advice they need to help keep their children safe online.”

Nina Bibby, Chief Marketing Officer at O2, said:

“Young people today are a generation of digital natives and, whilst many of them have grown up knowing how to use the many different websites, apps and games on offer, it can often prove more daunting for their parents to keep up with them.

“The Net Aware guide helps parents and guardians get up to speed, giving them the knowledge and advice they need to help their kids stay safe online. Technology provides a world of opportunities, and at O2 we want to make it as easy as possible for parents to help their children safely make the most of all it has to offer.”

Visit the guide at: www.net-aware.org.uk