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.
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.
This Easter holidays from 4 to 21 April, families dining at Côte can treat their children (aged 12 and under) to a delicious, high-quality meal for free when spending a minimum of £20.
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons, created by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers is a funny and beautiful celebration of mothers in all their shapes, sizes and and variations. Reviewed by Anne Coates
The Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet made by dynamicFRAMES® is a picture frame with attitude – it stores up to 50 A4 Pictures and is a boon for parents, grandparents and all recipients of children's art.
The award-winning children’s book The Detective Dog, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sara Oglivie, first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2016 is now brought to life by Tiny and Tall Productions and is currently on tour in theatres around the UK.
Award-winning author and illustrator, John Bond has produced a fabulous tale to delight youngsters from three plus: How Long Is That Dog? Review by Anne Coates.
Adult thriller writer, Joanne Sefton has turned her creative hand to writing for young adults with Ring of Truth, a compelling novel about truth and lies, reviewed by Anne Coates.
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Murray the Pirate is the third book in the Murray and Bun series, written and illustrated by Adam Stower. Reviewed by Anne Coates
Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Phillippa Leathley is the first in a brand new series that will captivate readers who love magic in their books, writes Anne Coates.