YOUNG people say parents often don’t know what they do online
Almost half of young people (48 per cent) living at home say their parents only know some of what they do online, according to an Ipsos Mori poll commissioned by Barnardo’s.
One in 9 (11 per cent) surveyed for the children’s charity admitted their parents understood nothing about their online activity.
Also, a third of young people (33 per cent) questioned say they find it easier to show their real personality on the internet than with people face-to-face.
The findings coincide with a new report, ‘Digital Dangers’ jointly published by Barnardo’s and the Marie Collins Foundation. It says all children are vulnerable to being groomed and sexually exploited on the internet via mobile technology.
For the report, 34 project workers from 11 Barnardo’s specialist child sexual exploitation services throughout the UK, were interviewed about the young people they support. Barnardo’s workers reported that those who were at risk, or were victims of sexual exploitation online often:
Consider it normal to use sexualised language and send naked photos of themselves to strangers online
Keep online grooming or abuse a secret
Do not fit the stereotypical vulnerable or ‘at risk’ child profile and could be in any family
Can be youngerthan those children sexually exploited and groomed offline.
The report also found that professionals and parents lack technology expertise to check online behaviour.
Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan, said:“As a father of four children I am concerned about the dangers facing them and other children online. As parents we must all try to better understand the mobile technology they use and what they are using it for, to help keep them safe.
“We want Governments across the UK, industry and voluntary sector to implement measures to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation happening online, along with ensuring children get vital sex and relationships advice to help them be more aware of the risks they are taking online.”
Digital Dangers author Tink Palmer,said: “Children are being targeted by perpetrators through their smart phones and other mobile devices. Technology has made them easier targets for abusers, who take advantage of their relative naivety.
“If parents are worried about changes in their children’s emotional wellbeing, one of the first questions they should ask is, ‘what is happening online’?
“A greater emphasis needs to be given to training professionals working in the police, social work, health, education and voluntary sector so they can better protect children from online abuse.”
In 2004 half (52 per cent) of 7 to 16 year olds owned a mobile phone. According to Ofcom this has increased, with 65 per cent of 12 to 15 year olds now owning a smart phone and 20 per cent of 8 to 11 year olds.