The latest research from online security firm Symantec has revealed that 75% of parents are already speaking with their children about practicing safe habits online. Meanwhile Children are spending 43.5 hours online per month, which is almost twice what parents thought they were (18.8 hours).

The survey also revealed that almost a third of UK children are now befriending their parents on Facebook or another social networking site. However one in five parents have caught their children viewing something they disapproved of, and reprimanded them for this behaviour:


The majority (65%) of UK parents also feel very or extremely knowledgeable about discussing whether and when to share personal information on the Internet with their children. Some are even moving into cyberspace to discuss sensitive issues with one in six (16%) preferring to chat about touchy subjects online rather than face-to-face.

Despite an apparent disconnect between what mum and dad think and what the kids are up to, families are finding that the Internet helps relationships. Over 67% of UK adults state that the Internet makes keeping in touch with families easier, and 58% agree that it has improved offline relationships.