Children in Ireland are accessing their first mobile phones at the average age of nine, more than three years earlier than parents preferred age of between 12 and 13 years.
This is according to research commissioned by eir, which surveyed 522 parents across the country and also found that 42% of parents provide their children with a phone earlier than they would like, largely due to safety concerns.
Despite this, over a third of parents reported being unsure of how to access the built-in parental controls to help monitor and manage their children’s online activity.
The research highlighted a discrepancy between parents confidence in managing their children’s smartphone use and the reality of children’s online behaviour. While 71% of parents believe their child can self-manage online activity and 80% think their child would share negative experiences, findings from CyberSafeKids ‘Left To Their Own Devices’ report, suggest a more complex reality. According to their report, 77% of 812-year-olds say their parents cannot see what they are doing online, and 55% did not tell a parent when they encountered harmful content.
In response to the findings, the telecommunications provider has launched its Smart Start programme, a free in-store initiative designed to help parents set-up parental controls, manage smartphone features and access alternative solutions, tailored to their family’s needs. And the programme is open to everyone, whether an eir customer or not.
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids, highlighted the importance of such initiatives.
“We know parents are aware of the risks that accompany smartphone use, but often lack the support they need to mitigate these effectively. We’re delighted to have contributed to the development of the Smart Start programme, ensuring parents receive practical guidance at the point of purchase to help their children navigate the online world safely. Programmes such as this, which empower parents in the digital age, are hugely welcome”.
The Smart Start programme is now rolling out across 10 stores nationwide, including in Cork and Limerick, following a successful four-week pilot in December.
