Today, Keeper Security have announced the release of the Keeper Security Parental Practices Report: Conversations on Cybersecurity, which explores parental attitudes, practices and concerns regarding cybersecurity discussions with their children and sheds light on this imperative topic for families. The report found that one in three (30%) of parents admitted that they have never spoken to their children about cybersecurity.
Additionally, over 40% of parents who admitted that they didn’t know how to create strong passwords, still give their child access to their mobile phones and almost a third (32%) give them access to their computers.
Conducted in 2023 by Censuswide, the comprehensive survey engaged 4005 parents across diverse backgrounds in the US, UK, France and Germany. The research delved into parental comfort levels and frequency that parents discussed cybersecurity with their children, who is deemed responsible for these conversations, and the digital platforms their children are allowed to access.
The report found, unsurprisingly that cybersecurity was less taboo than sex, with 57% of respondents saying that they found greater comfort discussing password security than sex education. 16% felt more comfortable talking about sex though. Significantly, almost one in five (19%) expressed discomfort discussing either subject.
When it comes to which parent educated their children about cybersecurity, the research found that mothers conducted the majority of cybersecurity discussions, with 56% of parents saying mums were responsible for cybersecurity talks with their children.
Alarmingly, 30% of parents confessed to not addressing cybersecurity with their children at all. Meanwhile, 75% of parents with 12-16-year-olds and 62% with 8-11-year-olds had engaged their children in these discussions. Younger children’s internet exposure without cybersecurity guidance raises serious concerns, as 44% own mobile phones and 46% have online gaming accounts.
Children’s access to digital accounts varied by age, with 73% of 12-16-year-olds owning mobile phones. Of the one in three parents that said their child does not understand how to create a secure password, almost half (48%) have their own phone and their own online gaming accounts (44%).
Only 45% of parents believed their 8-11-year-olds could create strong passwords, while 70% held the same confidence for 12-16-year-olds. Parents with insufficient password security knowledge themselves admitted to granting their children access to their devices, highlighting a potential risk.
“In an era marked by digital immersion, parenting responsibilities extend beyond the traditional concerns. As children spend more time online, the discourse around cybersecurity has become a crucial element of modern parenting,” said Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security. “This study highlights the need for increased awareness and education on digital safety among parents, as well as the importance that schools play in filling this gap, and perhaps, taking action at an earlier age.”
To view the full study, please visit: https://www.keeper.io/hubfs/Reports/Parental-Practices-Report-2023-UK.pdf
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