Posted: 16th Sep, 2003 By: MarkJ
New research by
Telewest Broadband has found that most parents don't know what their children do online and many (40%) are uncertain where to get advice about making the Internet safer:
Telewest Broadband and Childnet tackle parents' internet concerns 56% of British parents unsure of their children's online activity
New research from Telewest Broadband reveals that over half of British parents are unsure what their children are doing online and 40% are uncertain where to get advice about making the internet a safer place for their kids.
The research, conducted by NOP* with over 500 parents, also found that half feel they have to resort to sitting with their children throughout every internet session and more than a third (37%) have been concerned about material their children have seen online.
In response to these findings Telewest Broadband has set up a strategic partnership with Childnet International, the award-winning children's internet charity, to educate its blueyonder customers about protecting children online, while making the most of broadband internet access.
Chad Raube, director of internet services for Telewest Broadband, said: "It's clear that many parents are worried about the safety of their children while using the internet, but it's important these fears don't cloud the amazing educational potential of the net, particularly when using broadband.
We're delighted to be working with Childnet, because their guidance allows children to discover what a great place the internet is while ensuring they and their parents are clued up."
Telewest Broadband will include Childnet's KIDSMART leaflets in its blueyonder internet welcome packs and also provide online advice at blueyonder.co.uk, written in association with the charity.
The leaflets - Keeping up with your Child on the Internet and Helping your Parents be Cool about the Internet - are aimed separately at parents and children and provide advice on subjects including chat rooms, parental control, aggressive marketing material and web content.
In addition, Telewest Broadband is supporting Childnet's Net Detectives programme, which links schools together via broadband internet in role-play activity. Pupils solve real life scenarios, including internet safety, with support from community experts and the police.
Stephen Carrick-Davies, chief executive of Childnet International, said: "We want to commend Telewest Broadband for its proactive approach to educating its customers about internet safety issues and using our Kidsmart resources.
It's crucial parents take an active interest in what their children are doing online and help them use the internet positively and safely. We hope other companies will follow Telewest Broadband's example and provide quality information on this important issue."