Calls for parents in North East to pay more attention to their kids online

Only 1 in 3 mams and dads in our region say they take time each day to check what their children are up to online.

New research from the NSPCC has raised concerns that parents aren't doing enough to make sure their children are shielded from the risks of spending time on social media and the internet.

The research also showed that 1 in 10 parents claim a lack of confidence about how to talk to young people about the risks and opportunities available online.

A further study by Ofcom also revealed that 3 in 5 parents of children who have Facebook accounts do not realise that there is a lower age limit or what that age was.

Facebook, Instagram, Shapchat and Twitter all require users to be at least 13 years old, or to have parental permission, in order to use the platforms.

The NSPCC and O2 have created a guide for parents to bring the family together to explore, create and play safely online:

o Talk: Chat to your child about their online world, just as you’d ask about their day at school.

o Explore: Explore and understand the apps, games and sites your child uses and get to know your child’s online world better.

o Agree: Set out the family rules to live well online. Discuss and agree ground rules and make sure you’re a good role model.

o Manage: Make the technology work for you. Adapt privacy settings and use parental controls where necessary