MEDIA RELEASE - The results from a Colmar Brunton survey released today, reveal that internet safety ranks highest on the list of concerns for Kiwi parents – ahead of education, road safety and childhood obesity.

Of the 500 parents surveyed from across the country, almost two thirds (62 per cent) have a high level of concern about their children’s internet safety.

In a sign of how prevalent life online is, 61 per cent of parents surveyed revealed that their pre-school children are now getting a daily fix of internet.

The survey results also showed that parents were most concerned about the possibility of their child being exposed to inappropriate content online (37 per cent), with the amount of time their child spends on devices ranking a close second (35 per cent).

Vodafone and Netsafe are working closely together to recognise Safer Internet Day on February 7th – a global initiative that promotes the safe and positive use of the internet and digital technologies, particularly amongst young people.

Vodafone Head of Segment, Delina Shields said, “As a mother of two teenagers, I have similar concerns about how my daughters use the internet, especially on social media, but it’s about striking a balance between keeping them safe, while still allowing them to make the most of all the opportunities of the digital age.

It’s important that as parents, and as industry members, we work together to help Kiwi families use technology in a safe and positive way, which is why we launched digiparenting.co.nz – an online hub of articles, videos and printable guides offering simple practical digital parenting advice,” Delina said.

Netsafe’s Chief Executive Martin Cocker, said that the survey results reflect the feedback they receive from parents, “We work with parents every day to provide support, education and advice on how to prepare and help children use the internet.

The survey results show that online safety is a key concern for parents, and highlights the importance of providing useful resources for parents and children,” said Martin.

For more information and handy tips on how to keep your child safer online, visit https://digi-parenting.co.nz/staying-safe/