CyberSafeKids - Christmas Gadget Gift Guide for Parents
CyberSafeKids Launches Christmas Gadget Gift Guide for Parents
As Christmas approaches, many parents will be considering smart devices as gifts for their children. According to research from Ireland's online safety charity, CyberSafeKids, ownership of smart devices is already widespread among children aged 8-12, with 59% owning tablets, 57% owning gaming consoles, 49% owning smartphones, 19% owning smartwatches, and 11% owning VR headsets. Smart device ownership reaches 100% by the age of 14.
While Christmas is a peak time for gift-giving, special occasions like birthdays, confirmations, and other celebrations mean that parents often find themselves navigating the world of smart devices year-round. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which gadgets are safe and suitable for children.
To support parents and guardians in making safer, more informed decisions when buying smart devices for their children, CyberSafeKids has launched its inaugural Christmas campaign with a Gadget Gift Guide.
This easy-to-read guide covers:
The benefits and risks of popular smart devices and toys
Practical tips to help make these devices safer for your child
Age recommendations to guide your device choices
Useful links to the official manufacturer websites for further details
Speaking about the campaign, Alex Cooney, CEO, CyberSafeKids said,
"Smart devices are a huge part of children’s lives today, offering numerous educational and entertainment benefits. We know that many parents feel overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating parental controls and talking to their kids about online safety, so our guide is designed to demystify some of these issues to help parents feel more confident and informed about parenting their children online. It’s about keeping the fun element of these gifts whilst also reducing the risk."
Derek Chambers, Policy Lead, National Mental Health, HSE added,
“With children increasingly connected to the digital world, the risks associated with smart devices – such as exposure to inappropriate content, online bullying, or data privacy concerns are prevalent. CyberSafeKids' research emphasises the importance of parental involvement in guiding children's use of smart devices. This guide is a welcome resource for any parent looking to make safer choices when purchasing gadgets and smart devices for their child this holiday season.”
The CyberSafeKids Christmas Gadget Gift Guide is available to download for free here.
