Age restrictions of 13 on popular social media and messaging applications appear largely meaningless, with almost seven in 10 (68%) of 8 – 13-year-old children owning their own smartphones, and a similar number (70%) using social media and messaging apps. The findings are from the latest annual report from CyberSafeIreland, the Irish children’s online safety charity, published today at EY’s headquarters in Dublin. EY supported the charity as a funding partner in 2017-18.
The research also shows that 41% of eight and nine-year-olds are playing over-18s games, which as the report highlights can expose children to highly inappropriate and potentially damaging content.
CyberSafeIreland surveyed over 5,000 children, parents, and teachers who have attended its training sessions over the last academic year. The charity is concerned that there is not enough guidance and support out there for parents, teachers, social workers and others working in child-focused environments to address the variety of online risks that children are facing.
Top tips suggested for parents include:
You can download the report from the CyberSafeIreland site.
Pictured: Top (banner image): CyberSafeIreland CEO Alex Cooney speaks to journalists at the launch. Second image: EY's Hugh Callaghan and Cormac Kelly support the event. Final image: Deputy Alan Farrell speaking at the event.
