18 percent of children talk to strangers on the internet every day

Almost 20 percent of children talk to strangers on the internet every day, according to a new report.

The data, published by CyberSafeIreland, showed that 18 percent of kids are talking to people they don't know online each day, with 32 percent speaking to strangers at least once a week. Over two thirds of children between the ages of eight and 13 own a smartphone, with 70 percent actively using social media despite restrictions. Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years of age before they can create a profile. Snapchat and Instagram also have minimum user ages of 13, however it is not difficult to simply lie about your age before you make an account. Snapchat is the most popular app for children in Ireland between eight and 13. In their report, CyberSafeIreland said that the internet has suffered "major setbacks" when it comes to online safety. Director Brian O'Neill said that there is a "crisis" when it comes to what the internet is being used for. He said:

"Whether it is the persistent cyberbullying experienced online, or pervasive negative online commentary, misinformation, misuse of personal data, or threats to personal privacy, the population as a whole have been given ample cause for concern about the health of the digital environment."

O'Neill said that while it is difficult to fix these problems outright, young people need to be given the tools to use social media and the internet in a positive manner. He argued that children should be given "clear guidance" when it comes to the internet, and that both parents and teachers should be actively educating young people about the online sphere. You can read CyberSafeIreland's full report for 2017 here.