In the UK new research reveals children appreciate their parents’ guidance in how to navigate the online world. Despite their reputation as clued-up Digital Natives, three quarters of nine to 16 year olds feel they benefit from talking to their parents about their internet use. Contrary to popular perceptions that parents are in the dark, two-thirds of children say their parents always know what they are doing online.
Parents who talk to their children about the internet help to protect against potential online risks, according to the research. The benefits of active discussion include: lower risk, lower harm, access to more online activities and access to a greater level of skills.
The UK Safer Internet Centre has designed an Internet Safety IQ test for you to take now.
Safer Internet Day 2017 is celebrated globally on Tuesday 7 February with the slogan “Be the change: Unite for a better internet”. Co-ordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre the celebration sees hundreds of organisations – like facebook and BT – get involved to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. See How you can help keep your children safe.
Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre the celebration sees hundreds of organisations get involved to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. Kaspersky Lab's recent research shows that primary school aged children are at increased risk of cyberbullying as no one is discussing the issues with them.
As the new term starts and even very small children are learning about computers, child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer urges parents to understand and embrace mobile technology and gives some top tips.
Running out of power on a mobile can be so stressful if you're a parent and need to be in touch with your family. Kingston MobileLite Wireless resolves this problem and also offers wireless network sharing. Anne Coates put it to the test.
Finally, the wait is over and the Andy Pad has arrived! The new Android-powered tablet provides the best of both worlds as it is affordable and doesn't scrimp on performance or quality. Parenting Without Tears has one Andy Pad worth £129 to be won.
A new computerised game from VTech means that young children can practise their literacy and numeracy skills without being aware that they aren't just playing games as the Toy Story character calls out the instructions on the Buzz Lightyear Star Command Laptop.
Leading charities and their patrons back a call for the families of children with severe disabilities or special educational needs to apply immediately for a Home Access package with assistive technology before the Government’s Home Access programme closes.
The Internet is a wonderful resource but are we doing enough to keep our children as safe in the virtual world as we would hope they are in the real world?
During school holidays, children are likely to spend more time online, making them more vulnerable to online predators. As a parent, it is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your children, says Cyber Security expert Robert Kirk from SEO Builder. provides tips on essential device settings to switch off to ensure their online safety.
Research conducted by the NSPCC reveals that less than a fifth of parents are having frequent chats with their children about online safety. The figures are being released to coincide with the launch of the NSPCC’s Share Aware campaign.
Internet Matters joins forces with Dixons Carphone to launch "Digital Drop-ins" for parents at Currys PC World and Carphone Warehouse stores across the country. Stores are giving practical advice to parents and guardians on child internet safety ?and help them set up devices safely until 28 April.
According to recent research carried out by AVG Technologies, parents are disregarding online hazards faced by their children and are failing to educate them on internet dangers. However there is plenty of excellent advice available from CEOPs.
Every family – especially those with babies and young children – needs a reliable thermometer in their medicine cabinet/first aid box. Anne Coates reviews the Ear Thermometer from Femometer Family which gives an accurate result in one second.
These Balance Stepping Stones from Maycoly are great fun for kids – and adults, as Anne Coates discovered with her two-year-old granddaughter, Lizzie, when they used them indoors and in the garden.
When I saw Nature by Mamon Bucciarelli, with its attractive illustrations showing the natural world, I thought it would be ideal for our nine-year-old grandson who loves finding out about interesting facts to explore and we were not disappointed, writes Christine Mayle.
Hydration is key to good health and is especially important when exercising or being out in the sun. Here's a great way to to keep your water or drink ice-cool for 46 Hours – with the b.box 1 Litre Insulated Flip Top Bottle, writes Anne Coates.
Parents of 16 to 19 year olds who are staying in education or training need to extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August or payments will automatically stop. Follow the advice from HMRC.
Banwood, the classic outdoor toy brand, has just launched a new Eco collection of scooters and helmets in fresh summer colours at half the price of their classic range. Anne Coates reviews and her granddaughter, Lizzie, is delighted with her new mode of transport.
Christine Mayle's grandson fell in love with the Jay Franco Minecraft Fox Plush Pillow. And if Fox isn't your child's favourite Minecraft character, Tuxedo Cat, Creeper, My Hero Academia Deku, Buggy, Luffy, Purple Tiger and Bee are also available.
Author and grandmother of three toddlers, Julie Newman, puts the b.box Roll+Go Mealtime Mat to the test for parents who look for convenience as well as functionality in their feeding accessories. Read her report here.
Anne Coates reviews The Thrashers, a compelling YA thriller from bestselling author, playwright and actor, Julie Soto. After you read this, you might not want to be in with the elite crowd at school.
Anne Coates had been impressed by the quality of the Sofia Grainge Collection at Amazon Essentials. Here she reviews a two piece swimsuit with factor 50 sun protection.
With GCSEs and A levels imminent, families across the UK facing one of the most stressful times of year. Many parents of teenagers with ADHD feel at a loss when it comes to supporting their child during the revision phase. Here The ADHD Centre offers ten simple and effective ways to support your teen.
The Mumgaroo Baby Sling is lightweight and easy to wear making carrying a child a lot more comfortable and convenient than some other brands. Anne Coates and granddaughter Lizzie tried out the sling – and both are delighted with it!
Playful, vibrant and language-free children’s theatre show SPLAT! Is delighted to be hitting the road on a UK tour from May to August 2025. SPLAT! is a high-energy physical comedy about art, creativity and collaboration and it’s heading to 25 destinations across the country in 2025.
Anne Coates has chosen three fabulous new chapter books for confident readers or children who love to be read to: Small Fry by David Baddiel, The First Kid in Space by Tom Mitchell and The Kid Who Fell Through Time by Greg James & Chris Smith.
Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, Childline delivered 1,647 counselling sessions where the young person mentioned exam/revision stress. Here is some advice to pass on to your children and things you can do to help them.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, HarperCollins Children's Books have reissued the paperback editions of C.S. Lewis’ classic adventure series,The Chronicles of Narnia, with cover art from illustrator Owen Richardson. Parenting Without Tears has a complete set to be won in our latest competition.
Aldi is returning its popular Baby Event from 21 April, 2025 in its stores nationwide. Canny shoppers can snap up savings of up to 60 per cent off recommended retail prices while stocks last. Anne Coates went along to her nearest store to find out more.
The UK’s favourite Mexican restaurant Chiquito is offering unlimited standard nacho refills for 90 minutes, available every day from now until 30 April when you purchase two or more mains.
At Eastertide our thoughts turn to chocolate eggs – but picture books make great presents especially when they deal with eating – or being eaten! – by monsters. I'm Gonna Eat A Monster by Karl Tudor and Scott Wilson and A Good Night's Sleep by Emma Chichester Clark both offer a hilarious take on childhood fears, writes Anne Coates.
Christine Mayle says she always looks forward to reviewing Canal Toys and this Photo_Creator Instant Camera was no exception when asked to try it out with her seven year old grandson.
Following on from Look out! Hungry Lion and Look out! Hungry Snake comes the next two books in the Look Out! Hungry Animals series by Paul Delaney: Look Out! Hungry Spider and Look out! Hungry Shark. Review by Anne Coates.
Parker's Tavern, in the University Arms has just released its Easter Menu, which includes Easter Afternoon Tea available until 20 April as well as Good Friday and Easter Sunday specials. Chef Lee Clarke's shares his recipe for Hot Cross Bun Pudding.