Childwise (2011) found that 61% of 7 - 16 year olds in the UK have a mobile phone that can access the internet. 74% have their own laptop or PC, and 58% can access the Internet in their own room.

Social Trends (2009) found that 49% of 8 - 17 year olds who use the internet had a page or profile on a social networking site in 2007. (That figure is likely to be higher now.)

Access to the internet and social networking, whether through a computer or mobile phone, enables children and young people to surf, connect and enter worlds which just a few years ago were unimaginable. It also means that they are increasingly vulnerable to those who use the internet and social networking with the intention of exploitation or harm.

The links on the right offer advice and resources to help adults, children and young people learn about staying safe on the internet and keeping their personal details private on social networking sites. And if you'd like to see something of the complex relationship between children and their media, have a look at this presentation from Childwise.