Gaps in internet safety

Most families have internet-access rules to safeguard children, but the percentage with no restrictions remains worrying, says a net-safety watchdog.

An End Child Prostitution and Trafficking survey of 136 Auckland families showed people were becoming aware of the dangers associated with internet use.

Ecpat director Alan Bell said 78 per cent of parents surveyed had household rules.

All of them accepted there were dangers associated with the net.

These were listed in order of importance as sexual predators, pornography, gambling, e-crime, bullying, and extremist groups.

"Although public awareness may be increasing, it is not a time to become complacent about online safety," he said.

"The concern is that 22 per cent of families surveyed do not have household rules to provide internet safeguards."

- NZPA