The majority of parents who have previously downloaded illegal content for their kids said they have done so more during lockdown, according to our new report launched today.
Nearly six out of 10 parents (56%) who admitted to illegally downloading content for their kids to watch said they had done so more frequently during lockdown.
Worryingly, more than a quarter of parents (27%) said they would feel comfortable downloading or streaming illegal content on behalf of their children, with nearly one in five (18%) believing it is safe, indicating that they are oblivious to the risks and to the dangers to which their children could be exposed.
However, more than 7 in 10 parents (71%) said they would be worried or horrified if they inadvertently exposed their kids to explicit or violent content when downloading or streaming films, TV shows or sports illegally.
Recent data from the Industry Trust for IP Awareness suggests they would be right to be worried. The data** found that 1 in 3 people who had accessed content illegally had been exposed to age-inappropriate content such as offensive pop-ups while watching, highlighting the risks many parents could be exposing their children to.
The data from the Trust also found that almost half of those downloading or streaming illegally have experienced a virus or hacking – numbers which have increased significantly since the start of the year. It also suggests that the risk of experiencing these adverse effects from pirating content are increasing, with reports of hacking, virus or malware, ransomware, blackmail and extortion all having risen significantly over the last 12 months.
The warning comes as Internet Matters launches an online video campaign featuring real parents’ reactions to the dangers of digital piracy. An online hub has also been created to help educate parents as to the risks and support them in keeping their children safe from digital piracy. To support the launch, the organisation have partnered with mum of three and author of award-winning blog Toby and Roo, Harriet Shearsmith.
Harriet Shearsmith said: “Like many parents and families, my kids are using technology and being more active online – from schoolwork to watching their favourite creators through to keeping in touch with friends and family.
“We’re all living online more now than ever before. And being aware of our online safety as a family is hugely important to me.
“That’s why I’ve partnered with Internet Matters on this campaign to help inform and educate other parents about the dangers of downloading or streaming illegal content.”
Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters, said: “This research highlights that many parents may not be fully aware of the risks of digital piracy.
“Whilst children and adults alike might be tempted to stream or download a film or TV show, if it is not done through legitimate services, an innocent click can put them at risk of seeing inappropriate content or accidentally installing malware on their device, putting personal and financial information at risk.
“It’s why we’re launching an online hub and campaign. We want to arm parents with the knowledge and tools that help them choose safe content sources.”
Award-winning parenting blogger and author of Toby and Roo Harriet Shearsmith
See articles and resources to help children stay safe online.
