A lack of technological knowledge is getting in the way of keeping their kids safe online, according to new Telstra research released today.

A third of Australian parents with kids aged 10-17 admit their offspring's tech skills exceed their own.

“The research shows that a gap in technology skills is leading parents to believe that they are less capable of understanding how their kids might be exposing themselves to online risks such as cyber-bullying and identity theft,” says Darren Kane, Telstra’s Internet Trust and Safety Officer.

The Telstra Cyber-Safety Indicator revealed:
• Young people are avid internet users: 87 per cent of young people use the internet once or more a day with 45 per cent of kids spending three hours or more each week on social networking sites.
• Sexting is a concern: 62 per cent of parents are worried about their children sexting (the sending of sexual messages, photos or videos using a mobile).
• Parents don’t feel they see all technology use: Half of parents say their kid’s technology use frequently happens ‘under the radar’ making it hard to keep tabs on.
• A watchful eye on internet use: Half of parents keep the home PC in a family area where internet use can be easily discussed and 27 per cent say their child’s PC is located in their bedroom.
• Mixed views on social networking: 36 per cent of parents trust their child’s use of social networking sites, while a quarter admit to worrying about them posting personal information online and 15 per cent worry about who their children talk to and what they talk about.
• Young people view inappropriate content: One in five parents have found their child accessing inappropriate material online. The research also found that a third of parents have installed software to help restrict web browsing.
• Cyberbullying still happens: 12 per cent of parents say their child has been bullied or harassed online.

Darren said it’s important for parents to remember that they don’t need to be tech experts to keep their kids safe online.

“Parents should approach their child’s development in the online world as they would in the offline world - by teaching them about right and wrong behaviours. It takes a combination of social and technical skills to be safe online,” she said.