Safety features: With Christmas around the corner, parents are busy shopping for tech gadgets for their children. However, research by online safety experts Surfshark reveals a concerning trend: most families neglect to set up parental controls and safety features before gifting these devices.
Tech gifts on the rise this Christmas
Almost half (46%) of UK parents surveyed plan to buy tech gadgets for children aged 16 and under this festive season. From smartphones to tablets, these gifts promise hours of entertainment and learning. Yet, Surfshark’s survey of 2,000 UK adults highlights that 77% of parents don’t plan to set up parental controls or safety features in advance.
Why early preparation of safety features matters
Only 27% of parents surveyed intend to check if the device works before Christmas Day. Even fewer (23%) plan to set up parental controls on the day itself. This delay can expose children to age-inappropriate content, scams, and cyberbullying.
Tomas Stamulis, Chief Security Officer at Surfshark, urges parents to act early:
“Setting up safety features before Christmas ensures a secure digital environment from the start. Waiting until the big day makes it harder to implement these controls effectively. A little preparation now can prevent issues later, ensuring your children enjoy their tech safely.”
Surfshark’s top tips for safety features on tech Christmas
- Set up early: Take time before Christmas to install parental controls and safety features on new devices.
- Educate your children: Teach kids about online safety, such as not sharing personal information or clicking on suspicious links.
- Test devices thoroughly: Ensure the gadgets work properly and familiarise yourself with privacy settings.
- Use security tools: Tools like Surfshark’s Smart Home Privacy Checker help secure devices against cyber threats.
- Create boundaries: Set clear rules for device usage, including screen time limits and app guidelines.
Prioritise safety this festive season
Tech gadgets can bring joy and learning opportunities, but preparation is key. By setting up devices in advance and teaching children about online safety, parents can ensure their kids enjoy their new gadgets securely.
For more information about online safety, visit Surfshark.
Parents News UK has a previous article on online safety for families
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