Cyber cop says remote parenting using surveillance apps not enough

AUSTRALIA’S top cyber safety expert says too many parents are downloading surveillance apps on their kids’ devices and “parenting by remote”, harming trust and exposing children to predators.

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AUSTRALIA’S top cyber safety expert says there is too much “parenting by remote”.

Parents are downloading surveillance apps on their kids’ devices and then walking away like their job is done.

New research shows mobile technology designed to keep children safe online can be counter-productive, harming the trust between parent and child.

“I am not a fan of surveillance apps but I think technology that blocks sites or blocks the internet at certain times of the day are useful,” cyber cop Susan McLean said.

“But keeping a child safe all starts with conversation about rules and expectations.”

Research shows that just under half of all Australian children aged nine to 16 have viewed pornography

In a pair of studies led by the University of Central Florida, a research team found that authoritarian parents who were less responsive to their teen’s need for autonomy, were the most likely to use the parental control apps.

It also found that the use of these apps was associated with teens experiencing more online risks, including unwanted explicit content, harassment and online sexual soliciting.

“I don’t agree that children should be given more freedom online to learn for themselves. No child should be subject to any inappropriate online content or messaging,” Ms McLean said.

“Young children may be very competent with technology but they do not have adequate cognitive brain development.”

Cyber safety expert Susan McLean. Picture: Toby Zerna

Recent research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies highlighted that just under half of all Australian children aged nine to 16 had viewed pornography that could negatively impact their attitude to sex, sexuality and relationships.

Ms McLean said parents needed more education in their online safety role.

“Parents get confused and I have heard so many stories of them worrying about their kids disliking them if they take action. There is no room for being wishy-washy when it comes to online predators,” she said.