BT : Parents seek advice from teachers to keep their kids safe online

More than four out of ten teachers (41 per cent) have given advice to parents about internet safety, as new research by BT and Unicef UK reveals that almost all teachers (97 per cent) questioned in the survey said that internet safety is an issue facing children in schools today.

Teachers' biggest concern for their pupils is cyberbullying (79 per cent), this is also the most frequent internet safety discussion parents have with teachers (71 per cent).

The research found that whilst the majority of parents worry about their children accessing inappropriate content online (61 per cent), more than half of parents (51 per cent) allow their children to play on their computers unsupervised. Most parents (87 per cent) have discussed internet safety with their children and of those that haven't, 31 per cent say they haven't because they trust them, but more than one in ten (12 per cent) say it's because their child knows more about the internet than they do.

BT and Unicef UK have partnered for a three year programme, 'The Right Click: Internet Safety Matters', where they host workshops on internet safety in schools. The programme is designed to help children, their families and teachers to use the internet safely and create a forum for open conversations about why and how.

Former JLS member, now farmer and The Right Click supporter, JB Gill, said: "It's not surprising that teachers play a pivotal role for both parents and children when learning about staying safe online. Technology is changing every day, and teachers play a big part in educating children on the internet. It can be a scary place if children and parents don't know how to protect themselves, and I'm in full support of the Right Click workshops.

"As a parent myself, I'm glad to hear the results of the research show that teachers are already talking to parents and children about internet safety and, if we can encourage everyone to talk more and be even more open through these workshops, then the internet world will be a safer place for children."

Pete Oliver, commercial and marketing director, BT Consumer, said: "The internet is a powerful tool, especially for children. The time children are spending online is continuing to grow, particularly with children aged 8-111. This can be daunting for parents that aren't necessarily digital savvy and most parents (94 per cent) have worries about their children online. However, with the right knowledge, communication and parental controls in place, we can all ensure that the internet can be a safe place."

So far, 9,866 children, parents and teachers have taken part in the workshops at Unicef UK's Rights Respecting Schools, which put the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of their policies and practice. As a result, nine out of ten parents (90 per cent) say they will talk to their child more about online safety. Almost all parents that attended the workshops now feel knowledgeable about the internet (96 per cent) and are aware of the risks their children may face (98 per cent). Nine out of ten parents (91 per cent) are now also confident that their children are safer online.

The workshops are also valued by children, with three quarters (75 per cent) saying they would talk to a trusted adult about staying safe online and around 90 percent saying they would now tell an adult they trusted if something upset them online.

Catherine Cottrell, Unicef UK Deputy Executive Director, said: "We're working with schools across the country to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected and their rights are protected. The Right Click: Internet Safety Matters workshops empower children to become confident and responsible digital citizens, enabling them to enjoy the enormous benefits that the internet has to offer, with the help of parents and teachers."

The workshops also work to equip teachers and parents with the skills needed to help children to use the internet safely. They are encouraged to discuss online safety openly with children.

Since the launch of the BT and Unicef UK partnership in March 2014, 80 schools in disadvantaged areas have also been invited to join Unicef UK's Rights Respecting School programme, as a direct result of BT funding. These schools - selected from areas across the UK including Liverpool, Glasgow, East Kent and Merthyr Tydfil - are provided with training, support visits and teaching resources, to help them embed children's rights into their schools' ethos and culture.

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Notes to editors

Research of 1,000 parents with children aged 5-11 and 500 teachers via Censuswide in October 2016.

The Right Click figures shown in the release are based on an attendance from 344 workshops up to and including October 2016.

1Ofcom Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report, November 2016. (5-15 year olds time online has increased from 13 hours 42 minutes to 15 hours, driven by 8-11 year olds)

About Unicef

Unicef is the world's leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow's children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK

The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) supports schools across the UK to embed children's rights in their ethos and culture. The award recognises achievement in putting the UN Convention on the Right of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of a school's policy and practice. It is based on principles of equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation. For more information please visitwww.unicef.org.uk

About BT

BT's purpose is to use the power of communications to make a better world. It is one of the world's leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in 180 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to its customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband, TV and internet products and services; and converged fixed-mobile products and services.BT consists of six customer-facing lines of business: Consumer, EE, Business and Public Sector, Global Services, Wholesale and Ventures, and Openreach.

For the year ended 31 March 2016, BT Group's reported revenue was £19,042m with reported profit before taxation of £3,029m.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

For more information, visitwww.btplc.com