Listen: keeping your internet safe from strangers

New research from online safety charity, Internet Matters, has found that seven in ten children aged 9-13 (71%) have been exposed to harmful experiences or content online – but most parents do not use broadband controls or safe search filters.

The figures – released this week as children around the UK head back to school – show that 20% of 9-13 year olds have been contacted by a stranger, while 17% have seen content that promotes dangerous online stunts or challenges. 

As we also approach the one year anniversary of the Online Safety Bill becoming law, children in this age group are commonly experiencing hate speech (13%), coming across mis/disinformation (15%) and one in ten (10%) have seen violent content or content that promotes violence.

Aston spoke to Rachel Huggins, Co-CEO of Internet Matters.

Photo by Glenn Carstens Peter on Unsplash