Kids know more about technology than their parents do — and many don’t even recognize popular apps

PARENTS believe their children are more tech-savvy than they are by the age of 12, according to a study.

A survey of 2,000 mothers and fathers of children aged 18 and under found that 47 percent admit their child knows more about digital technology than they do – leading to 59 percent wishing they were more digitally savvy.

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It turns out that 15 percent were previously outwitted by their offspring when they successfully disabled the security settings they originally set up.

While only 13 percent feel completely comfortable navigating parental control features – with social media, video platforms and messaging apps posing the biggest concerns for their child’s safety.

When it comes to language, “Face Card,” “OOMF,” and “GRWM” are just some of the modern digital terms that 66 percent have never heard of.

And while 28 percent know what Discord is, only 11 percent know about BeReal — despite its recent popularity.

The study was commissioned by Vodafone to mark the launch of its new parental control and safety settings resource, Digital Parenting Pro, as part of Safer Internet Day taking place today.

Nicki Lyons, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Vodafone UK, said: “When it comes to technology, any parent or carer knows how it feels when your children know more than you do.

“That’s why we created Digital Parenting Pro to help adults easily understand what safety controls are in place or not in the latest games or social platforms, what ages they are recommended for, and what safety features are in place.

“We understand how fast things move, and our latest resource should give parents confidence as they navigate the digital world.”

With 85 percent allowing their children access to online content, it found that parents at the top end feel least empowered.

A third (33 percent) would feel more comfortable with their child using the internet if they could supervise regularly, and 27 percent would feel the same if they better understood how to keep them safe.

Another 32 percent would say so if they knew they had the right parental controls set up.

Despite the unfamiliarity with online safety settings, an encouraging 90 percent of those surveyed via OnePoll would be confident talking to their son or daughter about online precautions.

When it comes to education, 37 percent would like to learn more about modern phrases and language, while 35 percent would like to learn more about the platforms their children use.

Will Gardner, Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: “Safer Internet Day 2023 is about encouraging children and young people to talk about their lives online and giving parents and carers the information and tools to do so facilitate important conversations beyond a single day.

“It’s great to see Vodafone actively supporting it with its new resource as it will arm parents with the information they need to support their children online.”

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