A children’s welfare charity is urging parents to make online safety their top New Year’s resolution.

Many children and young people will have received tech gifts this Christmas, with smartphones, tablets and games consoles amongst the top wish list items for youngsters.

But a survey carried out by the NSPCC and mobile operator 02 reveals that half the parents who responded were unsure how parental controls work.

Parents and carers can seek free advice on children’s online safety on the Net Aware website, or via 02 and the NSPCC’s online safety advice line 0808 800 5002.

More than 50 percent of the 6,500 parents who took a Kids Online Safety quiz did not realise that games consoles are not covered by a parental filter on the home broadband.

And almost half of those who took part didn’t know that if a child uses mobile data while at home, then their searches are not subject to the parental controls on the home Wi-Fi.

Candia Crosfield, the NSPCC’s Schools Service manager for the South West and Wales said: ‘The online world can be full of excitement and entertainment for children and no doubt tablets, smartphones and games consoles will have featured on many Christmas lists this year. But the Internet is not without its risks, with some children still stumbling across inappropriate content or even becoming victims of abuse.

‘That’s why it is vital parents think of the online world in the same way as the real world, and apply the same level of protection to any app or game their child is using. Every parent who has bought an internet-connected device this Christmas should set up parental controls to help protect their children from online risks. It’s also recommended parents have regular conversations with their children about staying safe online and how to report something that upsets them.’

The NSPCC has published the following tips for parents:

1. Set up your child’s gadget together

Chat to your child about the different features and decide together which safety features to use. Talking to your child is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe

2. Read the manual

It may sound obvious, but many people don’t. Product information often comes with new devices or can be found online. This will give you some idea as to how set up the device and how it collects and shares data.

3. Use parental controls

Parental controls can:

Block upsetting or inappropriate content

Limit in-app purchases

Manage which apps children can download

Manage or limit time spent on an app or a gadget

4. Create a family agreement

Making an agreement with your child about what they can and can’t do online and what to look out for is a good way to start talking about online safety

5. Ask for advice

Call the NSPCC’s free advice line if you have any worries, questions or concerns - or book a free in-store appointment with 02 - these are available whether you’re an 02 customer or not