Whether you know it because you are checking up or just keeping it for when they forget it, a growing number of parents now know their child’s social media passwords
According to a survey by Pew Research Center in the US, about 48 percent of mums and dads know the password to their teenager’s email account.
A study involving 1,000 parents of 13 to 17-year-olds looked at how involved they were in monitoring online usage.
It found 61 percent said they check their child’s browsing history with just under half looking through text messages.
Many also admitted to taking away mobile phones or online privileges as a punishment.
The survey also asked parents questions surrounding internet safety.
Most participants agreed it was important to talk with their child about what’s appropriate to share online and how they should treat others.
A report by the NSPCC published last year found that the amount of time youngsters spend glued to computer screens is increasing dramatically.
In a survey of more than 2,000 UK parents, 35 per cent said they had come across online dangers, rising to 40 per cent amongst teens.
To mark the New Year, leading charity Action for Children put together five top tips to help get families away from computers and the TV.
It is after they found that many British parents say it is easier to get their children to do homework or have a bath than it is to switch off their phones.
Their tips were:
1. Plan fun activities for the whole family.
2. Create a weekly schedule on the principle of an hour of ‘energy in’ (technology use) equalling an hour of ‘energy out’ (other activities).
3. Tap into your own experience: when you were a child, what was your favourite game to play? Share these with your children.
4. Identify the challenges your children enjoy in the video games they play and replicate them – maybe play a board game?
5. Practice what you preach: when your children are having screen-free time, turn off your devices too. Don’t waste the opportunity!
