In a groundbreaking survey conducted by Kaspersky, 91% of surveyed parents in South Africa rely on gadgets to entertain their children during travel or for their own free time. This widespread practice raises significant questions about the safety and guidelines surrounding children’s use of digital devices.
Early Adoption of Personal Devices
Shockingly, half of children in South Africa receive their first personal device, such as a smartphone or tablet, as early as the ages of 3-7 years. This suggests that children are introduced to digital technology at a very young age, underscoring the need for early education on how to navigate the online world safely.
The Internet Safety Gap
Despite a high adoption rate of gadgets, a quarter of the questioned parents have not discussed internet safety rules with their children. This statistic is alarming, considering that many children are often left alone with their devices, potentially exposing them to various online risks.
Children’s Dependence on Gadgets
Children’s reliance on gadgets is evident from their responses. Seventy-two percent of children in South Africa claim they cannot live without their gadgets. Smartphones, tablets, and game consoles are among the most popular choices.
The Urgency of Digital Literacy
The report emphasizes the critical need for children to understand the potential threats in the online realm, comprehend the risks, and learn to navigate hazards appropriately. Educating children about online safety is imperative for their protection.
“Parents often grant gadgets to their children to keep them entertained and secure some time for themselves. However, this should not come with the cost of children’s digital safety. Adequate monitoring of children’s digital lives is necessary. This involves setting limits on screen time, having regular conversations, and implementing safety measures. Kaspersky’s tools can also provide an extra layer of security,” comments Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Kaspersky.
According to Jedidi, applying parental controls does not mean mistrusting one’s child but rather taking a sensible precaution. Parental controls help in restricting site visits, game access, file downloads, and blocking inappropriate content. Moreover, they safeguard sensitive information from cybercriminals and protect children from online的危害.
Kaspersky’s Recommended Measures
Kaspersky outlines several proactive measures parents can adopt to ensure their children’s safety:
- Stay Informed and Monitor Activities: Parents should keep up with new cyber threats and closely monitor their children’s online activities.
- Maintain Open Communication: Parents should talk openly with children about potential online dangers and establish strict guidelines to ensure safety.
- Install Security Solutions: Installing a reliable security program on your child’s device can prevent malicious software downloads.
- Use Safety Tools: Effective safeguarding against cyber threats requires the right tools.
Conclusion
The survey reveals an increasing reliance on gadgets for child entertainment among South African parents, posing significant internet safety issues. To protect children, parents should educate them about online hazards, establish rules, and utilize security measures provided by tools like Kaspersky.
Take Action Today
We encourage parents to strive for a balanced approach to gadget usage, valuing both the benefits and risks of digital technology. Share your thoughts on this survey and discuss how you manage your children’s online activities in the comments below!