Too Trusting? Over Half of American Parents Let Their Kids Go Online Without Supervision

Rhea-AI Summary

A new survey by Norton reveals concerning trends in online safety for children. Conducted among 1,003 adults, it shows that 66% of parents trust their children to browse the internet unsupervised, despite 72% reporting their kids engaging in risky online behavior. Key findings indicate that 27% of children clicked suspicious links, 25% accessed inappropriate content, and 24% shared personal information without consent. The survey emphasizes the urgent need for parental discussions on cyber safety, with 78% of Americans acknowledging the challenges in keeping children safe online.

Positive

• The survey highlights the importance of parental engagement in cyber safety, suggesting potential increased demand for Norton products.
• Norton is positioned as a thought leader in cyber safety, enhancing brand trust and visibility.

Negative

• The findings indicate a significant gap in parental awareness and engagement regarding children's online safety.
• High percentages of risky online behaviors among children could lead to potential liability issues for Norton if issues arise.

Norton Study: Nearly three-quarters report children accessing mature and inappropriate content and giving away personal information while unsupervised

TEMPE, Ariz., July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey by Norton, a consumer Cyber Safety¹ brand of NortonLifeLock (NASDAQ: NLOK), reveals that parents of children under 18 are overly trusting of children using their devices. A vast majority (66%) say they trust their children to browse the internet unmonitored, despite nearly three-quarters (72%) reporting their kids have participated in risky online activities, like accessing mature content and giving away personal information, while using a parent's device without their permission. 

"As the father of a young daughter, concerns around her online safety keep me up at night," said Darren Shou, Head of Technology, NortonLifeLock. "While there's no foolproof solution, having frequent conversations as a family about Cyber Safety and being inherently skeptical about anything you come across online are some of the things families can do to live their digital lives more safely."

The study found 72% of parents with children under the ages of 18 say their children have used a parent's device without their permission. While on the parent's device, children frequently engaged in risky online activities, including clicking on a suspicious link (27%), accessing mature or age-inappropriate content (25%), or giving away personal information (24%). Whether these actions are intentional or not, they create significant risk to the child and family's online safety.

Cybercriminals and bad actors are becoming more sophisticated in their tricks and tactics every day. It's no surprise then that 78% of Americans believe it's difficult for parents to keep children safe when they are online, and 92% agree that it's more important now than ever before for parents to talk to their children about Cyber Safety.

To help combat these issues, Norton helps families stay safe online with products like Norton Family, which enables parents to manage and monitor their children's online activities. Norton also provides education, tools and resources in concert with National PTA including the recently updated family-focused online safety tool, The Smart Talk.

To view the study's full results and accompanying visual assets, please visit the 2022 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Special Release – Home & Family press kit at: https://www.nortonlifelock.com/us/en/newsroom/press-kits/2022-norton-cyber-safety-insights-report-special-release-home-and-family/

About the 2022 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Special Release – Home & Family
The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NortonLifeLock among 1,003 adults aged 18+, of which 373 are parents of children under 18. The survey was conducted May 16 – June 2, 2022. Data are weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, and household income to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.

About NortonLifeLock Inc. 
NortonLifeLock Inc. (NASDAQ: NLOK) is a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety, protecting and empowering people to live their digital lives safely. We are the consumer's trusted ally in an increasingly complex and connected world. Learn more about how we're transforming Cyber Safety at NortonLifeLock.com. 

¹ No one can prevent all cybercrime or identity theft.

Yosha Brunson Kuhl				Erin Farkaly
NortonLifeLock				Edelman for NortonLifeLock Inc.
480-457-2132				973-715-6716
Yosha.BrunsonKuhl@NortonLifeLock.com				Erin.Farkaly@edelman.com

 

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SOURCE NortonLifeLock Inc.

FAQ

What did the Norton study reveal about children's online behavior?

The Norton study found that 72% of children accessed inappropriate content and gave away personal information while unsupervised online.

When was the Norton study conducted?

The Norton study was conducted from May 16 to June 2, 2022.

What percentage of parents trust their children to browse the internet unsupervised?

66% of parents reported trusting their children to browse the internet without supervision.

How many children clicked on suspicious links according to the Norton study?

27% of children reported clicking on suspicious links without parental consent.

Why is the Norton study significant for parents?

The study emphasizes the need for parents to have conversations with their children about cyber safety due to increasing risks online.