Online safety fears keeping parents offline

News   Online safety fears keeping parents offline

13 February 2008

Fears about online safety are keeping Mums and Dads across Britain up at night, and could be keeping whole families offline.  

A new survey from UK online centres has found that while three quarters of parents knew their kids were regular internet users, half of them didn’t think their internet or IT skills were good enough to supervise or assist with surfing.  

Around 60% of parents taking part in the survey said they worried about their children using the internet.  Topping the list of concerns were internet predators, inappropriate images and fraudsters, but other worries included cyber-bullying and the information children were sharing through social networking sites like Bebo and MySpace.  

And it’s not just internet safety that’s causing concern.  Around a third of parents also admitted to worrying about their lack of online know-how to help with homework and school projects on the internet.  

Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres said:  “Technology has already changed how we live, work and socialise.  Now it’s changing how we bring up our children.  Being a 21st Century parent increasingly requires new parenting skills - it’s not just about looking after your children in the real world – you’ve got to look after them in the online world too.  With more and more homework involving the internet, cyber-bullying and internet predators hitting the headlines, it’s not surprising that parents are anxious about their children’s internet activities, and about their own ability to help out online.

“If you’re worried about your children using the internet, the best way to put your fears to rest is to find out more about it yourself.  That’s where UK online centres come in.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve never even turned a computer on, with the right advice and support you can make the most of the internet – and help your kids make the most of it – safely and happily.  And it’s not just about supervising - the internet can be a useful tool for everyday family life.  Whether you’re getting the shopping delivered, renewing your tax disc or booking a bargain holiday, the internet could help you save time, hassle and even money.”

Mum of three Helen Boffey, 36, didn’t know much at all about computers – let alone the internet – before she found her way into The Lighthouse Project UK online centre in Rowley Regis, a nearby UK online centre.  

She says:  “I don’t think you ever stop worrying about your kids, because you want the best for them – it’s instinct.  But because I want the best for them I don’t want them to miss out on all the good bits of the internet because of the bad bits.  I know lots of parents who say they’re not going to let their kids online because of all these internet monsters and things.  It’s easy to forget that there are risks in the real world too, and we already help our kids steer clear of them and stay safe – that’s what parents do.  The trouble is you can’t do that on the internet unless you know a bit about it.

“Computers and the internet are going to be such a big part of our kids’ lives.  I’ve got an 18 year old who uses them all the time, and even though my twin girls are only five they’re already using them in the classroom!  I’m so pleased I’ve now got the skills to help them, monitor what they’re doing, and just talk to them about it.  I often pop into the UK online centre with Ellie and Emily before or after school.  They like to play the games on Cbeebies, and do drawings with the mouse, which is great for their co-ordination.  They also like typing so we practise spellings on the computer, and even do reading exercises I’ve found on the internet.  Their teachers have actually said to me how much the practice they get with me is helping them, and that’s a really good feeling.

“I’d say to other parents that learning about computers and the internet is absolutely key.  Like anything else, it’s not half as scary once you know something about it!  You might never stop worrying completely but you will feel more in control - and if I can get to grips with it all, anyone can!”
Don’t let safety fears hold you or your family back.  To follow in Helen’s footsteps and find your nearest UK online centre, call free on 0800 77 1234.

Ends

For more information about this story or about UK online centres, please contact Abi Stevens on 0778 666 0689.

Notes to editors

• Research from ICM Internet Concerns Survey, December 2007.

• UK online centres provide millions of people with access to technology and support in using it.  They offer free or low cost access to the internet and email, deliver online courses and encourage people to progress onto further learning.

• UK online centres are managed by Ufi, the organisation also behind learndirect.  For more information please visit www.ukonlinecentres.com