Survey warns of vulnerable internet

Parents may be aware of the risks posed by the internet, but few are taking full advantage of the technological tools available to protect children, a new survey has revealed.

The study, which was carried out for network security provider Fortinet, found that parents were most concerned by cyberbullying, potential exposure to threatening individuals and access to adult material. Social media was lowest on the list of concerns, behind illegal downloading and exposure to religious or alternative beliefs.

More than 70 per cent of parents felt they were keeping their children’s internet use under control, but technological solutions, such as parental controls and using security solutions provided by broadband providers, were least used options. Parents preferred “an open dialogue” with children on the topic, the study said.

Other methods, such as keeping computers in a shared area and supervising use, may be undermined in some way by the popularity of smartphones and tablets.

Fortinet's country manager, Shane Grennan, said that the loosest and least protected internet access was often available in the home.

“In most homes, kids of any age have unrestricted access to the internet and can view anything the internet has to hold, whether it’s good or bad,” he said.

“The most surprising thing is that a technology-enabled problem such as this is not being met with a technology solution. This is most likely due to the average household having technology challenges implementing a solution of this nature to cover all devices in the home, which is complex in nature. This is where a service provided by the broadband provider is ideal, as the complexity and operation belongs with them.”

There is an interest in such products, with almost 90 per cent of respondents in the 35-54 age group saying they would be interested in a product to protect children, with almost three-quarters of those with children interested in using home security products to block adult content and illegal goods.