Is this the result of some media trivia drama? In one year, the look that parents are on the Internet, especially social networks, is clearly tinged with anxiety.
At the heart of concerns, Facebook, the most popular social networks. It is used by 57% of 9-16 year olds and 80% of 13-16 years, according to a study by the American company Trend Micro security expert cloud. Her children spend an average of one hour per week for the youngest of them, and more than three hours for over 13 years. And, despite a growing concern: 79% of parents and 59% of children consider Facebook "dangerous."
If fathers and mothers are always worried that their young become friends with adults who pretend to be children, ie they are in contact with pedophiles, adults are also more likely to fear that their children being harassed by other children. "If young people are ruthless them in the real world, this feeling is exacerbated on the Net where inhibitions are lifted," said Damase Tricart, European Marketing Director of Trend Micro.
Parental control bit used
Parents do not, however, remain inactive face their fears. They are more numerous (over a third) set themselves to the Facebook account of their children, especially in order to limit the people with whom they can contact.
Children aware of the "dangers" of the Net, also accepted more easily than their parents are "friends" with them on Facebook. "However, young people continue to engage real competition to see who has the most friends on Facebook, noted Damase Tricart. Which leads sometimes to accept anyone as a friend. The need to inform and explain the risks involved are real. "
In addition, children are more often observers actors on social networks. Their first activity on Facebook is watching what their friends, then they seek their friends and photos and finally they put online information or photos.
In contrast, parental control devices that can be bought, usually with a virus, are actually quite rarely used. The changing patterns of Internet access also reduces the possibility of direct control of parents. There are still two years, web access is made mostly from the PC, which could be installed in a room "common".
Now, more than 20% of young people have their own access to the Internet via a smartphone or tablet. To complicate matters, these terminals are inherently mobile, it becomes even more difficult for parents to monitor their children's use.
ALSO READ:
"Instagram, Facebook, Google … and childhood diseases in the digital era
"The more we have friends on Facebook, the more you are stressed
"On Facebook, fleeing their parents 20 years
"The children inadequately protected against the multiplication of screens