Parents are being urged to sit down with their children to discuss their internet use to mark Safer Internet Day.

The Federal Government research has found almost 30 per cent of parents are aware their child has had a negative experience online.

Cyber Safety Solutions founder Susan McLean says parents need to be aware of all the risks.

“What we need to do is to empower and educate parents to understand that they’re responsible primarily for keeping their kids safe online.

“They shouldn’t be handing over any devices to their children unless they, the parent, know exactly what that device is capable of doing.”

Parents are being urged by the Federal Government to read a new guide to protecting children under five online.

Check out the guide – Online safety for under 5s booklet , which provides parents and carers with critical advice on how to introduce young children to the connected world so that they can thrive online and the risks are mitigated.

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