Only 40% of those with children over 10 years old know that their son or daughter has a profile on a social network. However, if we ask children, 90% admit to having access to at least one social network.

One in 10 parents states that their son or daughter has had a negative or unpleasant experience on the Internet. Most of those who have been through such experiences are between 11 and 15 years old.

How can we identify that the child has profiles on multiple networks, not just one?

"Based on the assumption that the parent knows the child best, we should see what signals the parent might receive that draw attention to the incidents the child has experienced online or to any unpleasant experiences the child may have, and then we can talk about the moments when we enter the child's room, and the child is withdrawn.

When referring to the phone, the child jumps at every notification, is concerned, very concerned about hiding it and responding immediately. Speaking of social media, there are significant differences between what parents say and what children say", stated Claudia Oprescu, online safety coordinator at Save the Children Romania.

"Based on our direct interactions with children in the classroom and discussions with parents, but especially with children, they tell us that they spend over 8 hours per day on the Internet, engaging in social networks and groups inaccessible to parents. This lack of access results in a diminished understanding of the risks children encounter. Thus, we are primarily addressing the risk associated with the time spent online, as well as the activities the child engages in. I would like to mention that within the digital classrooms we conduct with parents, featuring online meetings every Thursday evening, there are numerous concerned parents who refrain from accessing these social networks and groups", she added.

Claudia Oprescu, online safety coordinator at Save the Children Romania: "But if I were to invite parents to ask their children what happened on WhatsApp groups? What happened on social media? Have you seen a video? Who did you talk to today? Just as we ask what they did at school or how they felt at school today. From last year's studies by Save the Children Organization regarding the incidence caused by online dangers on children, more than 40% of children told us that they were victims of cyberbullying. Well, if you don't see the child with bruises, with a torn backpack, with torn clothes coming home, you assume he's fine.

I believe this study highlights two aspects underlying the wake-call that Save the Children Organization sounded during this Internet Safety Month. We must recognize that behind the statistics are actual lives—those of children and families. This, I think, reflects the reality in our society.

Where to start? Well, this study recommends starting with a heartfelt conversation at home with the child. However, it is crucial that when the child confides, and the parent finds out what the child is doing online, they take a short break to reflect, rather than reacting immediately, because the child may not open up again the second time".