Young people and technology

Parent Zone and the Oxford Internet Institute have published a report suggesting that instead of restricting or monitoring internet use, parents should let their teenagers discover the net. Key findings include that:

• UK teenagers are among the most monitored in Europe, with most of the big ISPs offering parental controls;
• Teenagers with positive parental relationships are more likely to use the web in a sensible way;
• Supportive, enabling parenting has a more positive impact than restricting or monitoring internet use; and
• Teenagers left to self-regulate their online activity are more likely to teach themselves new skills online and maintain positive online relationships.

To download the report visit http://blogs.oii.ox.ac.uk/policy/young-people-are-the-most-likely-to-take-action-to-protect-their-privacy-on-social-networking-sites.

Anti bullying charity Ditch the Label has published a report looking at how 13 to 25 year olds use smartphone technology. Key findings include that:

• 37 percent of 13 to 25 year olds have sent a naked photo of themselves via a smartphone app; and
• 24 percent have had a naked photo shared without their consent.

For further information visit www.ditchthelabel.org/wireless-report-2014. To download the report visit www.scribd.com/fullscreen/242718506?access_key=key-pax9L3y2BEh80LbivjNc&allow_share=true&escape=false&show_recommendations=false&view_mode=scroll.