Almost 20% of children are talking to strangers online every day.
The annual report for CyberSafeIreland found 20% of 12-year-olds are spending four hours or more online daily, and 18% of 8 to 13-year-old children are talking to strangers every day, which is a three-fold increase from last year.
The revelation comes as the Government and social media companies are urged to take stronger action to protect young people online.
Age restrictions on popular social media sites are meaningless according to new research which shows 68% of 8 to 13-year-olds own their own smartphone with a similar number using social media and messaging apps.
A survey of over 5,000 children, parents and teachers found that 41% of 8 and 9-year-olds are playing games for over-18s, which can expose them to inappropriate and potentially damaging content.
CyberSafeIreland says the data highlights the need for education programmes with parents and children, adding that it is vital the Government does more to address the issue.
Digital Desk
