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.
Giving children's early art attempts a new edge, Doodle Copy from Canal toys provides reusable templates for young artists to create pictures – and then print them off to be coloured in.
In a welcome addition to the increasingly popular young adult romantasy market , Kiera Azara strikes just the right balance for younger teenagers in her new series, writes Elaine Hewlett.
Foldable Baby Standing Shower Support from Orzbow fits into walk-in showers perfectly, offering safer washing – especially useful if you don't have a conventional bath, writes Anne Coates.
Hay fever sufferers know the common, at times unbearable symptoms, that affect the eyes, and contact lens wearers have extra problems. Here's what to do, by Francesca Marchetti.
We're delighted to team up with QuartoKids with a competition for five readers to win two books from their bestselling series Little People, BIG DREAMS®.
Muddy Puddles has been one of our go-to places for outdoor toddler clothes and we were delighted to review this waterproof jumpsuit plus matching wellies, writes Anne Coates.
The latest impact report from Working Families Legal Advice Service shows that the charity’s helpline and 200-plus advice and guidance pages reached one in ten UK parents.
For bites and stings, Puressentiel has a number of products that can not only repel insects in the first place, but also soothe bitten, sore and itchy skin, writes Dr Tim Bond.
We had ten copies of the 50th anniversary edition of Richard Scarry's Best Counting Book Ever to be won. Here are the names of the winners who will receive their prize from HarperCollins Children's Books.
An engaging picture book from the award-winning author of Colin's Castle. In this second book, Colin the vegetarian vampire prepares for a visit from his Grandma. What could possibly go wrong? asks Anne Coates.
Natasha Da Souza and her daughter Theia loved this product! The premise is very simple – paint your picture, apply fluffy paint and decorate with accessories. The results were great!
The award-winning children’s outerwear brand has launched Muddy Puddles Preloved, a dedicated online platform where you can buy and sell pre-loved Muddy Puddles clothing.
Two of Anne Coates' recently published favourite books for children are now available in paperback: a book of poems by Michael Rosen and the first in a series by Philippa Leathley.
Mud play offers freedom, creativity, and a connection to the natural world. Activities such as mud kitchens can encourage skill development, problem-solving, and cooperation.
Fantasy is all the rage at the moment but Anna Fiteni takes a truly unique approach to the genre, rooting her young adult book firmly in Welsh myths and culture. Review by Elaine Hewlett.
Packed with nourishing ingredients like calendula, hemp oil, and lavender, Nature’s Repair Balm, from Honey Heaven, helps hydrate, protect, and heal dry, irritated, and inflamed skin without feeling sticky or oily.
Hush Puppies offers comfortable, reasonably-priced school shoes for both boys and girls. Many of the designs have both a junior and senior style, alongside patent and non-patent options.
Tracy Darnton, the author of these two delightful picture bookson new babies and sibling relationships, shares her tips on smoothing the transition when a new baby arrives.
Lightweight, child-friendly rechargeable walkie talkies to encourage social interaction and cooperative, imaginative play for young children. Perfect entertainment for holidays and days out.
Pioneer in health and wellness technology, Homedics, has launched The WakeBand™ Silent Alarm, a wearable device to gently rouse you from sleep without a sound for a serene start to the day.
Congratulations to all the teens and their families receiving their results tomorrow. It can be a stressful time even if pupils' achievements are brilliant. Anne Coates give some top tips for parents.
Hayley Willsher and her family dined at the Prezzo Italian Restaurant in Letchworth to try out the new children's menu and dining experience that included 3D specs and a digital game.
Footwear specialists, Kickers, have teamed up with Steven Thomas, The London Podiatrist, to share his expert guidance for back-to-school shoe shopping, plus they're offering readers a ten per cent discount.