Tesco Mobile has partnered with The Café to launch a new initiative aimed at encouraging meaningful conversations about online safety between parents and children.
A study conducted by the network provider found that while 74% of parents consider their child’s online safety a top priority, one in ten admit to having limited knowledge of their children’s online activities.
The research also finds that two-thirds (67%) of parents find out more about their child’s life at mealtimes than other moments, with 84% describing it as ‘quality time’.
Despite the importance of these moments, parents still struggle to discuss certain topics with their children, with online experiences (28%) ranked as one of the most difficult subjects to broach, surpassing even romantic relationships (25%).
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To help bridge this communication gap, Tesco Mobile has developed a series of conversation starters designed specifically for approachable teatime discussions.
“We are delighted to partner with Tesco Mobile on this initiative to empower families to have open dialogue around online safety,” Internet Matters ci-CEO, Rachel Huggins said.
“At Internet Matters we recognise that many parents want to have meaningful conversations about their children’s online experiences, but struggle to find the right words or timing.
“With open and regular communication being a key part of managing children’s digital activities, these conversation starters can help parents start crucial discussions to ensure children feel supported and informed about their online world.”
These prompts, which include questions such as “What are four things you need to be careful about sharing online with others?” were created in collaboration with child psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado and online safety experts Internet Matters.
“As parents, we’re constantly navigating new challenges, and keeping children safe online is one of the most pressing. We created these conversation starters with the aim of making these tough topics approachable for families,” said Sally Marriott, Tesco Mobile.
With former Saturdays member and TV personality Frankie Bridge fronting the campaign, parents will be able to access the prompts by searching ‘Tesco Mobile Online Safety’ online or scanning QR codes on ‘table talkers’ in The Café locations across the UK.
Bridge added: “Honestly, I do consider myself pretty internet savvy,” she said, “but when it comes to my kids, it’s a whole different world. The conversation starters really help me figure out where to begin that chat with them.”
