Almost a third (29%) of UK children aged eight to 13 have given out personal details to people they have met online, according to new research for the NSPCC and mobile operator O2.
The survey of 2,000 children across the UK also revealed their social media profiles often contained sensitive information, with almost a quarter displaying their email address and 8% showing their phone number.
Seemingly innocent details such as pets’ names (25%) and the school they attend (24%) were also frequently revealed.
In Scotland, 175 children aged eight to 13 took part in the survey, with 29% revealing they had given out personal details online.
Researchers also discovered that parents are more likely to talk to their children about safety in the real world versus the online world.
While 82% of parents speak to their kids about wearing a seatbelt, and 81% tell children about the importance of saying no when they are asked to do something they’re uncomfortable with, just over a third (35%) of parents check who their kids talk to online.
In the wake of the survey’s publication, O2 and the NSPCC have relaunched Net Aware, a website designed for parents to learn more about the apps, sites and games their children are using.
The site also offers technical and safeguarding tips for any parents concerned about their child’s online activities.
Strictly Come Dancing presenter and mum of two Tess Daly teamed up with O2 and NSPCC to announce the relaunch.
She said: “I know how difficult the topic of online safety can be between parents and their kids. It’s our job as parents to do all we can to make sure our children know about staying safe online, and to make sure we have open conversations with them so they feel comfortable asking questions they might think seem awkward.”
Laura Randall, NSPCC associate head of child safety online, added: “It is vital parents think of the online world in the same way as the real world.
“They wouldn’t send their child on a school trip without checking where they are going and who they are going with. The same level of scrutiny should apply to any app or game their child is using.
“That’s why we continue to work with O2 to provide the latest information for parents about the most popular apps, sites and games their children are using - all at their fingertips on one website.”
