News
Safer Internet Day resources
The UK Safer Internet Centre has launched several online resources for parents and teachers.
A call for the right to feel safe
24,000 youth declare their online rights and responsibilities for Safer Internet Day.
Useful information on Snapchat
It seems that an alarming number of young people use the app for 'sexting' and bullying.
European training courses against cyber bullying
Since 2010, Kids and Media has been involved in a large Europe-wide training project.
Amazon Kindle FreeTime Unlimited
Amazon's new subscription package makes using the Kindle Fire devices a family friendly experience.
Great films that get you in the Christmas spirit
We at Kids and Media gives you tips on a variety of fun and touching films for Christmas time.
MySafeTXT
KidsOKOnline has come up with a breakthrough that will help keep children and young people safe in social networks and online communities.
SuperClubsPLUS
SuperClubsPLUS is a new online community designed to help young people get the best from the digital media and build their digital competency.
Teens and their parents in an online world
Two recent US surveys cast an interesting light upon the attitudes and behaviour of teens and their parents.
Sexting Resources
Some great resources on how to deal with losing control over self-generated sexual material online, suitable for young people and teachers alike.
Professionals Online Safety Helpline
Provides support to anyone working with children and young people, around all aspects of online safety.
Mozilla and UK charities to promote digital literacy
A new programme will encourage young people to create digital media.
Advice on Halloween
On October 31st, Halloween is celebrated. Read Kids and Media's advice on how to protect your children.
Children’s tech use growing rapidly
Ofcom report reveals teenagers send twice as many texts per week compared to last year.
Internet safety improving in the UK
According to a new report from EU Kids Online, measures to ensure online safety for UK children are bearing fruit.
Grandparenting in the digital world
Grandparents would like to get better equipped to manage their grandchildren's use of technology.
Safer Internet Day 2013 Survey
Children and young people can have their opinions voiced to the government on Safer Internet Day 2013.
ClickCEOP app launched on Facebook
Now, every Facebooking teenager in the UK can have direct access to CEOP's advice and reporting centre.
New 'Digital Parenting' Magazine
Vodafone has launched a new magazine filled with articles by experts, 'How to' guides and much more - all to make it easier for you to get involved in your children's digital lives.
Teacher brings history alive on YouTube
David Perkins acts out the life of historical figures and posts lessons on YouTube.
A Platform for Good
FOSI has launched an interactive website designed to help parents, teachers and young people connect, share and do good online.
The ’Appy Family
75 per cent of parents with smartphones or tablets share them with their children, according to a survey by Disney UK.
Amazon to launch new Kindle Fire tablets
Updated tablets and larger screens. Also; Kindle FreeTime - a brand new parental control feature.
The lurking dangers of Instagram
Popular online services attract a vast number of dubious users who post sexually suggestive content.
Introducing the NEW SuperClubsPLUS
KidsOKOnline (KOKO) and KidsandMedia are delighted to announce a new project.
The importance of outdoor play
Children spending time on digital devices instead of playing outside may put their long-term development at risk.
YouTube is taking over
The majority of American teenagers prefer YouTube when listening to music.
Embrace the technology young people use
Educators, school counsellors, social workers and other professionals understand a lot about students' everyday struggles and home environments, but not so much about the tech part, Anne Collier writes.
"Few 'new' victims of cyberbullying"
Traditional bullying is far more common than cyberbullying, international research suggests.
Scottish pupils establish business to fight cyberbullying
This project should serve as inspiration for schools everywhere.
CTIA launches GrowingWireless.com
CTIA offers useful information and tips to parents on how to deal with cyberbullying, sexting and privacy.
“An unwinnable war”
Teachers need highly focused training in social media so they can better support and equip young people, Stephen Carrick-Davies writes.
Parental Internet Controls
The Department for Education seeks views and advice from members of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) and other organisations, businesses and especially parents who would like to respond.
FTC proposes tighter rules to protect children
Tougher rules on collection of children's personal information will be introduced in the US.
PEGI ratings become legally enforceable
It's now illegal to sell video games to children and young people who are younger than the assigned PEGI rating.
Warning about sexual violence among children
Are young people developing unhealthy expectations about sexual relationships?
“Online reporting tools do not work”
Researchers recommend that industry focus more on child-friendly communications and accessible tools.
Do parents keep their children media safe?
A survey by ParentPort reveals that 40 per cent of parents have allowed their children to watch a film classified above their age at home.
Social media build friendships, but causes weariness
The majority of American teenagers say social media are a positive influence.
Teens hide their online behaviour
A study by McAfee reveals a gap in how children are using the Internet and what their parents believe they're doing.
Nintendo announces 3DS XL
A new version of Nintendo 3DS will be launched across Europe on July 28th.
“Do we know who our kids’ electronic friends are?”
Two Canadian teen girls used social media to recruit other girls for prostitution.
FCC proposes inquiry of mobile radiation
In the US, the FCC would like to investigate if better guidelines are needed to protect people from mobile radiation.
Bullying in the world of gaming
According to a report by BeatBullying, cyber bullying is migrating into the world of game play.
One in five children is victim of cyber bullying
A new report from BeatBullying shows that 21 per cent of children aged eight to 11 have been bullied online.
Habbo Hotel filled with sexual chats
Following reports of "explicitly sexual interactions" taking place in the game, one of its investors has withdrawn.
Is screen time and life style connected?
A recent US study suggests that the more time children spend in front of the TV, the more unhealthy food they eat.
Safety & Privacy in a Digital Europe
The current level of European Commission engagement in online safety issues has not been seen before.
Screen time warning
Dr Aric Sigman calls for parents to "regain control" of the time children spend in front of electronic screens.
Mobile service designed to protect children
The Bemilo system has been developed to enable parents to control their children's phones.
Moshi Monsters goes mobile
Moshi Monsters is developing a full mobile version of the platform.
Club Penguin to remove language barriers
Soon, children all over the world will be able to communicate with each other.
New strategy for safer Internet for children and teenagers
The European Commission has outlined a range of measures to ensure online safety.
Tracking the trackers
We can’t sit idly by and allow the Internet business to track the behaviour and personal information of our children, says Gary Kovacs, CEO of the Mozilla Corporation.
Keeping children safe online
In this video from TalkTalk, Internet safety expert Charlotte Aynsley shares her top tips and advice for parents.
Should inappropriate content be blocked?
A recent Parliamentary report calls for new laws to force ISPs to block access to inappropriate websites.
”No evidence of harm”
A major report from UK's Health Protection Agency concludes that there still is "no convincing evidence" that mobiles pose a health risk.
Teenage sexting
According to Beatbullying, sexting has become an "epidemic" among British teenagers.
The best body on Facebook
Many girls find themselves competing with the best pictures and the cheerful status updates of their friends.
IWF releases report on abuse of online technology
Criminals constantly evolve their methods of hosting illegal content.
Explicit videos may be given 18 certificates
Plans on greater restrictions on raunchy music videos are to be looked at by David Cameron.
Digital media causes sleep deprivation in children
A recent study reveals that the average bedtime for children aged 6 to 15 years is 11.20pm.
Requirement for increased privacy
Did you know that there are few devices that know more details about its user than smartphones?
Quotes from children
The top quotes from New Media Age's special series of research on children and digital media are interesting food for thought.
The benefits of video games
Playing video games improves creativity, decision-making and perception, several research studies report.
Lady Gaga inspiring bravery
Lady Gaga has established her Born This Way Foundation to empower young people.
Useful things to know about Google’s new privacy policy
On March 1st, Google rolled out their new privacy policy.
A “Parents’ Guide to Facebook”
A recently updated guide, designed to help parents keep their teenagers safe on Facebook, offers hands-on, step-by-step instructions and illustrations, as well as information on safety and privacy.
FTC Report Raises Privacy Questions
In the US, the Federal Trade Commission calls for information on collection of data in apps for children.
Tweeting teens
A recent study shows that the number of teenagers using Twitter has doubled in two years.
Learning together
When children use digital media together with parents, siblings or friends, it becomes a different experience than when it's done alone.
Safer Internet Day 2012
Safer Internet Day on 7th February is Connecting Generations with the slogan "Discovering the digital world together safely".
Mobiles are taking over
Mobile Internet gadgets are becoming ever increasingly important in children and young people's lives, a new Childwise report suggests.
Have some screen free time each day
'Can our family escape the tyranny of the screen?' Stephen Carrick-Davies asks in an article in the Guardian.
Increasing use of mobile devices among children under 10
A survey shows that 64 per cent of Britons let their children use their mobile devices.
Top tech & media companies to make Internet a better place
28 leading companies have come together to form a new Coalition.
Get involved and receive a one year license
The SIP Bench II project seeks parents who would like to test an online protection tool.
Vodafone Guardian
Vodafone has launched a free parental controls app for Android smartphones.
CTIA and ESRB announce app rating system
A newly developed app rating system will utilise the ESRB age rating icons.
Web providers offer parents option to block porn
Four leading Internet providers will offer the option to block inappropriate content.
Norton Online Family Report
Children who follow house rules have less negative experiences online, according to a study by Symantec.
Parental controls and online protection tools
The SIP Bench II project aims to help parents choose the parental control tool that best suits their needs.
The Rough Guide to Online Safety
A wide-ranging and user friendly guide on how to enjoy the Internet whilst staying safe from online threats.
A million under-13s use Facebook daily
Half of 7 to 12 year old UK children access social networking platforms, according to Mintel.
Zero to eight – a research study
Common Sense Media has released the first publicly available study to document children's use of new media.
Teenagers would miss mobiles and Internet more than TV
A new Ofcom report leaves no doubt as to the increasing importance of electronic media.
Limit screen time for the youngest children
Children under the age of two should not spend much time in front of electronic screens.
Disturbing images on the news
Strong images and video clips showing the killing of Gaddafi is all over the news.
EU Kids Online: New approach to online safety required
The final recommendations on how to educate and protect children has been published.
Girls as likely as boys to bully online
Girls are just as likely as boys to bully other children online, a survey of young people's Internet habits reveals.
Unreliable ratings on mobile apps
An increasing number of parents express concerns regarding inappropriate content on mobile phone apps.
Facebook facial recognition a threat to privacy
The idea of Facebook creating a huge, photo-searchable database is troubling.
The voice of young people
What does it mean to be an ethical, responsible and resilient digital citizen?
Children’s fake Facebook accounts
Quite a few young people have taken to using false names to avoid being policed by parents and schools.
European Online Grooming Project
European researchers are working to improve understanding of online abuse.
Ten per cent of UK primary school children have iPhones
One in ten parents feel it's appropriate for children as young as four years old to own a mobile phone, while one in ten children under the age of ten already owns an iPhone, according to a survey by Westcoastcloud.
Protect family time
Unicef research suggests that British parents focus too little on family time and too much on material goods.
High awareness of parental controls
Most parents are aware of parental controls, and more than half of parents have used parental controls for children's Internet use, according to a survey from the Family Online Safety Institute.
Young people go online on mobile phones
According to a recent report, a large number of young people use their mobile phones to get online.
Earphones to proctect children’s hearing
Etymotic Research presented their new noise cancelling earphones for children at the IFA consumer electronics trade show in Berlin.
”Use your head” campaign fights cyber bullying
Yesterday marked the start of the fifth season of the "Use your head" campaign; Norway's biggest campaign against cyber bullying. Kids and Media is one of the partners.
Official guide to Facebook security
Facebook has published an official guide to Facebook security in the Facebook Family Safety Centre.
Online expert: Focus on empowerment rather than restriction
Making children responsible Internet users is a better strategy than restriction.
"Mobile phone use does not increase risk of cancer"
New research suggests mobile phones do not increase brain tumour risk in children.
Study: Cyber bullying victims need better protection
The National Centre for Cyber-stalking Research (NCCR) recently published the results of a two year study, which focused on cases of cyber bullying and the effects bullying can have on the victim.
Could violent video games help decrease violent crime?
Recent research suggests that violent video games may have an "incapacitation effect".
Westcoastcloud unveils iPad security service
The Netintelligence solution gives education officials the ability to manage pupils' online activity.
Kids and Media Network Shortlisted for Nominet Award
The Kids and Media International Parents Network at www.kidsandmedia.net has been shortlisted for the Nominet Internet Award for its contribution towards Empowering Young People & Citizens.
New Block’em app prevents cyber bullying
A new Android app, aimed at children between the ages of 11 and 15, makes it easier to block unwanted contacts.
Plans to block online porn for children
Prime Minister David Cameron backs suggestion to make it easier for parents to block inappropriate material.
WHO: Mobile phone use causes an increased risk of cancer
Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Ofcom: UK Children’s media literacy
A new report from Ofcom gives an overview of media literacy among children and young people.
Online porn: A need for research
“The increased availability of pornography on the Internet emphasises the need for updated research.”
Increasing number of children on social media sites
The number of parents who allow children to use social networks has doubled.
Advice on children and smartphones
A recent survey by The Nielsen Company in the U.S. indicates that almost a third of the apps on smartphones owned by parents who allow their children to install apps, were downloaded by their children.
Facebook launches new Family Safety Centre
Find useful resources, articles and videos on safety and privacy.
Apple sued over in-app purchasing policies
A large number of children have accumulated huge credit card bills via iTunes.
Online safety video from Facemood
Facemoods.com has released an animation video to teach young people responsible Facebook surfing.
Are young people addicted to technology?
Students experience withdrawal symptoms when deprived of digital media.
Mobile phones are fun – until you get a huge bill
PhoneBrain, a new education programme, is designed to help young people recognise costs.
First official advice to text rather than call
A Department of Health leaflet advises that texting and hands-free kits reduces exposure to radiation.
Popular media are informing playground games
According to new research, digital media are informing the games that children play.
Younger children still need to develop key online skills
A Europe-wide study finds that many younger children lack basic Internet skills.
Children and news about catastrophes
Strong images from Japan are being shown in the news media all over the world.
Gossip website is stirring controversy
In Germany, a website that encourages users to share gossip has created a heated public debate.
Criminals exploit young people’s search habits
Internet security expert urges caution when looking for entertainment online.
Good advice on how to reduce exposure to mobile radiation
Some simple precautions are all that is needed to reduce the radiation risk considerably.
UK children’s media habits
UK children spend an hour and 50 minutes on the Internet a day, and watch more than two and a half hours of TV a day.
BAFTA Game Awards
Vote for your favourite game in The GAME Award 2010, but know that only a few of the nominated games are suitable for children and young people.
One in two lie about personal details online
Half of young people lie about personal details on the Internet, a new survey has revealed.
No Facebook for the President’s children
First lady Michelle Obama told NBC's Today show that her daughters are not on Facebook. Read why Kids and Media supports the decision.
Safer Internet Day
Tuesday, 8 February is Safer Internet Day 2011. Read Kids and Media’s advice on how to keep your children safe online.
Unacceptable behaviour on American Idol
Producers issued an apology due to Steven Tyler’s insulting remarks.
The classroom of tomorrow
Kids and Media attended BETT recently, the world’s largest education technology exhibition.
Nintendo warns 3DS may harm children’s eyes
Children under 6 years of age should not play 3D games on the new Nintendo console.
UK findings from EU Kids online survey
Excessive Internet use is high among UK children; still, at the same time they are among the most web-savvy.
‘Digital Parenting' magasine
A new magasine from Vodafone is designed to help parents get involved with their children’s digital world.
The Wikileaks Phenomenon
This week a website called Wikileaks, run by a team of just five journalists will change the world.
Children want digital gadgets for Christmas
Children’s wish lists are filled with technology products rather than traditional toys, a new study suggests.
Difficult to monitor children's Internet use
Parents face a challenge keeping children safe online as Internet access is diversifying, a new report suggests.
Privacy tip: Try the “super-logoff”
Some young, privacy-minded Facebook users deactivate their accounts every time they leave the site.
The dangers of illegal downloads
10 per cent of children who download illegal content have been exposed to inappropriate material, according to survey.
Parents do not secure children's phones
Nine out of ten parents do not take measures to secure their children’s mobile phones, internet safety expert warns.
Many children under 2 online
82 percent of children have some type of online presence before the age of 2, according to Internet security firm AVG.
Facebook Groups
With Facebook’s new Groups feature you can limit who you share information with. However, some privacy problems might occur.
Physical activity no compensation
Researchers say it’s time to reconsider the belief that we can balance out screen time with other activities.
ZuiTube
ZuiTube is an American website for children that aims to be a cleaner version of YouTube.
Children want e-books
Many children express an interest in reading books on digital devices, a new survey shows.
Depression high among cyber bullying victims
Targets of cyber bullying are at greater risk for depression than are those who bully them, according to new study.
“Power to the parent”
Common Sense Media has launched a campaign to raise awareness with parents that there are ways to keep children safe in a digital world.
Video games improve decision making skills
People who play action video games are known for their fast reaction times. Are they better decision makers as well?
- Use the off button
Limiting children’s TV time will contribute to prevent health and learning problems, expert says.
Facebook Places
Facebook’s new location service lets your friends know where you are. We show you how to modify your privacy settings.
Kids and Media at Gamescom
Cologne, Germany: Kids and Media were given an opportunity to see the latest news in the gaming world.
Advertising Standards Authority's remit extended
The digital remit of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is extended to deliver more comprehensive consumer protection online.
Google boss warning on use of social media
Young people may have to change their names on reaching adulthood to escape their online past.
- My phone is my life
Digital communication has become an integral part of teenagers' lives. Is it changing who they are?
EU measures against child abuse images
“The estimated number of unreported cases of child pornography on the Internet has increased tremendously."
Gaming industry launches 3D
At E3, one of the world's largest video game conferences, 3D was the hot topic.
Mobile phone use makes children jealous
Children feel hurt when their parents send text messages or write e-mails instead of paying attention to them.
Scare tactics may be bad for children
Scaring children about online dangers and blocking access to social-networking sites can do more harm than good.
Introduces mobile radiation law
San Francisco becomes first U.S. city to require all mobile phone retailers to inform about mobile radiation risks.
Porn is big business
12% of all the websites in the world are pornographic. This is useful information for parents of children and young people who use the Internet.
Online Summer Safety Tips
How do you keep young children and teenagers safe online during the summer holidays?
Facebook introduces new privacy controls
New and simplified methods for controlling personal information will be introduced during the next few weeks.
Obsessed with appearance
The media exposes young girls to extreme expectations for appearance. In such a world it is essential that young people are met with a counterbalancing message.
Inconclusive mobile phone study
A comprehensive study on whether mobile devices can cause brain tumours has not provided a clear answer.
Facebook privacy worries
A recent security flaw brings new worries regarding the safety of personal information on social websites.
Teenagers text rather than talk
New research shows that texting is the most popular form of communication among young people.
BBFC rating system on websites
A new Internet service provider offers web filtering that uses the BBFC rating system.
Facebook to redesign abuse reporting system
Responding to mounting pressure, Facebook has announced several new safety measures.
Violent video games make you aggressive
New metastudy shows link between video game violence and aggressive behaviour.
8-12 year-olds using social networks
A quarter of children aged 8-12 have a profile on Facebook, Bebo or MySpace, although the lowest minimum age is 13.
Treatment for technology addicts
A treatment programme aimed at teens that spend hours a day online has been launched at a London hospital.
An unpleasant phenomenon
At Chatroulette no one controls what you get to see. We encourage parents to pay attention.
Netiquette
All Internet users should know the unwritten rules for good online behaviour. Kids and Media is here to help you.
Pupils to get download lessons
Industry watchdog PhonepayPlus aims to educate pupils about mobile download costs.
10 rules for Internet use
If children are to use the Internet unsupervised, an agreement or set of rules should be made in dialogue with the children.
Advice on YouTube
Did you know that YouTube is only intended for children over 13? Read Kids and Media's advice on how to relate to the popular website.
Warns against the sexualisation of society
Children are being increasingly exposed to sexual imagery, and parents have limited opportunities to prevent it.
What is sexting?
Teenage sexting is a new and little understood practice. Find out more about the phenomenon.
How your child is affected by violence
”When parents convey clear norms on what is right and wrong, they create a protective barrier," says researcher.
Moneyville
A fun and entertaining online game that gives your child a basic understanding of the value of money.
Teach children a healthy critical sense
Good advice on how to help children assess information and relate to hateful messages.
Internet freedom makes pupils safer
Pupils who are allowed to surf the Internet more freely are less "vulnerable" to online dangers.
Does social media change the brain?
An increasing amount of time spent on computers may affect the development of children's brains.
Call of Duty
The largely popular video game Call of Duty is a game for adults, but a lot of children want to play the game.
Protect your computer
Find out how you can prevent viruses, worms and trojan horses from causing great damage.
Advice about passwords
It’s important to teach children to create strong passwords, and to keep them secret.
Which handheld console to choose?
Both Nintendo and Sony create game consoles for people on the move.
New challenges for parents
The possibilities different media have to offer make it more challenging for parents to guide and set limits.
Dramatic increase in daily media use
A recent survey in the US shows that young people spend a lot more time using entertainment media.
Advice about children and web cameras
Here is some good advice to those who have children and a webcam at home.
How to give children good gaming habits
Kids and Media have met Microsoft’s American X-Box team and Wifi Media Holland.
Mobile media are not for the youngest
"Children should be mature before they receive their first phone," says Patrik Faubert.
Diaries open to the whole world
Young people’s diaries are shared openly with the whole world through online blogging.
Moves to ban mobile phones in schools
The French Senate has proposed a bill to ban pupils from using mobile phones.
Facebook is not suitable for children
Facebook has a 13-year age limit but many children younger than this wish to be part of the online community...
Disney re-launches old memories
A sensational Mickey Mouse game is being launched next year, and Kids and Media had the honour of attending the presentation, hosted by the designer himself.
Watching TV increases children’s blood pressure
Children who spend a lot of time watching television have higher blood pressure than those who watch less, according to researchers at Michigan State University.
How to avoid children getting addicted to games
We talk to Game Garden in the Netherlands...
Bullying: Teenagers' best advice for parents
Kids and Media have asked the youngsters for advice to parents...
Talk to your teenager about porn
There are many good reasons to talk with teenagers about porn, but who dares to?
Game information to parents
The PEGI system will become the sole method of classifying video games in the UK.
What to do if your child is being bullied
What can you as a parent do to prevent your child from being bullied online?















