Parents & Children Online - Different Perspectives

The Internet is one of the most common environments we find ourselves in, with people browsing through websites and using online programs on a daily basis. This tendency soon came to spread across an even wider audience, ultimately catching on with users of all ages. Nowadays, children from the age of 3-4 are already using Youtube, 45% of them for cartoons and another 40% for funny videos and pranks.

Other insightful stats have also been illustrated by the guys at SafeAtLast. As it turns out, up to 82% of children who broke the house rules for online behavior have had a negative experience. These situations are most notably present among children on social media, with up to 74% of them ending up in a similar way.

The Parents’ Perspective

One of the greatest distinctions between parents and children’s online behavior is their focus. On the one hand, parents tend to focus on the appropriate timeframes for Internet use, as well as the right websites for it.

As a result, most of them (77%, more precisely) tend to impose rules about Internet use. Some choose a less invasive approach and speak to their children in an attempt to raise overall awareness about safety. However, a significant number of parents, up to 34% check the Internet browsing history, and 25% of them even secretly access their children’s social media.

The Children’s Perspective

Children, on the other hand, care more about the proper way to use the Internet, all with the purpose of keeping things civil and polite.

It has been surprising to find out that nearly 70% of interviewees have stood up against bullying and mean behavior online as part of the rules for using the Internet. Nearly as many would suggest getting help from a parent in such cases, and about 60% of them advocate against passing on spam, negative photos and shaming posts about others.

As it seems, the new generation of Internet users has a wholly different viewpoint on the matter. Currently, adults are more concerned about strict limits and regulations, while youngsters take on a more liberal approach, all the while promoting good manners. Still, despite the differences, a balance between the two could come to mean a most positive online experience for all.