Research from Virgin Media O2 and Internet Matters says that 44% of parents don’t know how to activate safety settings on tech they plan to gift this Christmas. At the same time, 82% of parents worry about their children having unrestricted internet access.
1/10 parents plan to give their child a smartphone this Christmas, and 64% of these children are under 14. Many parents feel unprepared for the task, with 60% believing their kids are more knowledgeable about technology than they are.
37% of parents think their children would feel upset if restrictions were placed on new devices. This hesitation leaves many devices unsecured when first used, and this can be dangerous.
Why Do Parents Avoid Setting Up Safety Controls?
The same research found that 40% of parents would prefer assembling flat-pack furniture to configuring safety controls on devices. Familiar gifts like bikes (78%), play kitchens (70%), and remote-controlled toys (63%) take priority over gadgets like smartphones (60%) or tablets (35%).
Setting up parental controls on a new device can feel overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the features. Many parents only explore these settings after the device is unboxed, adding to the confusion.
Parents are also hesitant because they fear upsetting their children with restrictions. This results in many avoiding the process entirely, even though it would create a safer online environment.
What Resources Are Available For Setting Up Safety Controls?
Virgin Media O2 and Internet Matters launched the Find the Right Words campaign to help parents activate parental controls on devices such as smartphones, tablets, and streaming platforms. This guide explains how to configure safety settings step by step.
The campaign is part of Virgin Media O2’s Better Connections Plan, and it was made to improve digital knowledge for millions of people. These resources are designed to make online safety tools easier for families to use.
Virgin Media and O2 also provide broadband-level controls to block unsuitable content. These settings allow parents to protect children’s browsing activities with simple adjustments.
Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2, commented, “We know adding parental settings on new devices can feel daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the tech. That’s why our Find the Right Words guide is packed with practical tips and advice to give parents and guardians the know-how they need to set up their kids’ new devices with confidence, so they can enjoy them and stay safe online at Christmas and beyond.”
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How Can Broadband And Mobile Settings Help With Online Safety?
Parental controls built into broadband networks, such as Virgin Media’s Essential Security, allow users to block specific websites and set time limits on device use. O2 also has mobile controls that restrict internet access to age-appropriate content.
Operating systems like iOS, Android, and Windows allow parents to manage screen time, approve downloads, and filter content. Tools such as Google Family Link and Apple Screen Time make it easier to manage these settings across devices.
Families can also use tools like SafeSearch, available on popular search engines, to block unsuitable material. YouTube’s Restricted Mode filters out explicit videos, while privacy settings on social media platforms limit who can contact children.
What Are The Safety Options For Operating Systems And Apps?
Devices running on iOS, Android, or Windows offer built-in tools that allow parents to control how long children can use apps, approve downloads, and filter content. Daily limits can be set using tools like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link.
Social media apps also have privacy settings that help manage communication and visibility. For instance, parents can restrict who can send messages to their children or block mature content.
Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ also allow users to create profiles tailored to younger audiences, ensuring they only access age-appropriate shows and films.
How Can Content Filtering And Monitoring Help?
Age-based filters can block material unsuitable for children on browsers, apps, and streaming services. Tools like Google Family Link and Windows Family Safety also offer detailed reports on what children are accessing online.
Monitoring tools help parents understand how devices are being used and allow for quick adjustments if issues arise. These reports give insight into screen time and browsing patterns, helping families create safer digital habits.
Gaming consoles are another area where restrictions can help, because parents can limit playtime and control who children can interact with during online gaming sessions.
What Should Parents Teach Kids About Reporting Issues?
Parents are encouraged to teach children how to handle issues like inappropriate messages or harmful content. Many platforms provide tools to block, mute, or report unwanted interactions.
For more serious situations, organisations like Childline and CEOP offer resources to help families address online safety concerns. These services can guide children and parents through difficult circumstances.
Children’s online habits change as they grow older. Parents should regularly be reviewing and updating parental controls, even after Christmas, so that safety measures stay relevant and continue to meet the needs of the family.
