05/02/2019

Survey Reveals That Almost 40% Of Children Talk To Strangers Online

New data has revealed that 40% of children aged between eight and 10 are regularly engaging with strangers online.

The worrying statistic was released by CyberSafeIreland on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 05 February.

79% of children own a smart phone or tablet with internet access, while almost one third of them speak to strangers everyday or at least once a week.

Many are playing video games aimed at over-18's which contain violent or sexually inappropriate content.

The research, which surveyed over 1,200 children, also found that more than a third of them rarely or never speak to their parents about online safety.

CyberSafeIreland's CEO, Alex Cooney, said: "Our survey highlights that children are actively engaged in the online world from a young age.

"The vast majority of eight-year-olds have their own smart device, almost half are using social media, and one in five have appeared in a YouTube video.

"This is why we have launched a dedicated session this school year and it is also why this Safer Internet Day, we have focused on developing a range of resources for parents of younger children, to help guide their decision-making around key issues like when to get that first device for their child".

CyberSafeIreland is raising awareness of the importance for parents to engage in their children's online life to both protect them from risk and empower them to use the internet in a safe and responsible manner.

More information on the Safer Internet Day campaign can be found here.



(JG/CM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

04 March 2019
New Online Safety Act To Protect Children Online
A new Online Safety Act which aims to improve online safety and ensure that children can be protected online has been announced by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton. Announcing the new Act to students, parents and teachers at St.
10 February 2014
Over 60% Of Teens Own A Smartphone
Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, has welcomed the first Irish report of the 'Net Children Go Mobile' project. The report, which is being launched today ahead of Safer Internet Day tomorrow, shows that smartphones are now the most commonly used devices by young people going online.
26 May 2015
Average Parents Posts 200 Photos Of Their Children Online Every Year
The average parent posts over 200 photos of their children online every year, according to a new study by Nominet. On average, 973 photos are posted online by a child's fifth birthday, equating to an average of 195 photos shared by parents every year.
25 February 2019
Safety Warning Issued Over 'Momo Challenge'
Gardaí have issued a warning to parents of an online challenge games which is believed to be resulting in cyberbullying.
24 April 2024
Making The Most Of Your Man Cave Or Games Room
Every home needs a space for retreat. Whether it is to chill out and relax after a hard day’s work or to entertain friends during a fun evening in. Investing in developing this space can help boost your pleasure and comfort. How can you accomplish that? Most people like to call it a man cave.