Survey into online habits reveal many 'children taking risks online'

A survey has confirmed that more than half of the children in the UK have done something 'risky' or anti-social online.

17:38 10 February 2015

A survey that was participated in by 2,000 11 to 16-year-olds has condluded that more than half of the children surveyed in the UK have done something “risky” or anti-social online. 62per cent said that they felt pressured from others to act this way.

Activities include sharing unsuitable videos or pictures of themselves or saying nasty things about others and looking at unsuitable websites.

Andrew Tomlinson, the BBC's executive producer responsible for digital and media literacy, said: "Internet safety is becoming increasingly important as more families get online and children start to use tablets, computers and smartphones earlier in their lives.

"For the third year in succession, BBC Learning is supporting the aims of Safer Internet Day with a campaign of its own.

"Be Smart is giving young people the chance to speak for themselves about the pressures they face on social networking sites."

 Meanwhile, a mobile app is to be launched later this year in the UK giving parents remote access to everything relating to their children’s online activities. It will allow parents to vet the websites visited, monitor text messages, and track their child’s movements.