UK Filtering Software Company Releases Survey on Kids' Internet Access

Internet security company Westcoastcloud recently released their survey on UK school children's access to the Internet. According to CBR, 10% of UK children own a smartphone and 5% of them own an iPad. The survey gathered answers from 2,000 British parents of children ages 10 and under.

Westcoastcloud, who recently released its iPad security product for filtering Internet content for schools, used the survey as a marketing tool to coincide with the release of their product. Westcoastcloud's director mentioned the importance of filtering products for kids: "If parents are happy for their children to be using these products they need to understand that the Internet is not a private place. Filtering products are available that can help parents keep their kids safe online." He also added personally that "children owning their own phones as young as four does seem unnecessary."

Other statistics provided by the filtering software developer include:

• 8% of UK children have a social networking account
• 20% of UK children's monthly phone bill runs up to 20 pounds or more
• 50% of parents said they have concerns about the lack of controls installed on their children's Internet devices
• 17% of surveyed parents bought phones for their kids after being pestered by them