The majority of Irish teenagers are making a conscious effort to conceal their online activities, according to a new survey conducted by security company McAfee.

As part of the 'Digital Divide' study, the firm polled 200 young people in the country, with more than half admitting they have wiped their browsing history in an effort to prevent their parents finding out what they have been doing.

The survey also revealed a disparity in what mums and dads believe their children are accessing on the internet and the reality of online behaviours.

While 57 per cent of parents said they have trust in their kids not to access adult content, 23 per cent of teenagers admitted they have intentionally searched for pornography. 

In addition, 11 per cent of the young people polled admitted they have met with someone they initially made contact with online and ten per cent conceded they have posted revealing pictures on the internet.

Commenting on the findings, McAfee said more needs to be done to educate children as to the risks associated with many of these behaviours.

Written by Donal Walsh

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