Parents educated about internet

SCHOOLS in Exmouth are among hundreds in Devon who are educating parents as well pupils about the dangers of the internet with a series of seminars planned across the region.

SCHOOLS in Exmouth are among hundreds in Devon who are educating parents as well pupils about the dangers of the internet with a series of seminars planned across the region.

A recent Ofcom - the communications regulator - report says parents who are concerned about their children accessing the internet via mobile phones and games consoles are most likely to be concerned with cost rather than their child's safety.

And it is only when they are reminded of dangers including bullying, inappropriate images and grooming that their concerns change.

David Wright of South West Grid for Learning, a Quango which provides internet connection to Devon's schools, said: "Parents are confused about the internet and how it can be used.

"Although around 90 per cent of children have a games console that can go on-line, only 11per cent of parents express any concern about what is happening when a child is alone in a bedroom, using the equipment.

"What this shows is that we have to educate both the children, and the parents on the whole issue of E-Safety."

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