Take a look around you. Chances are, you will see many people engrossed in their gadgets. The Internet has its own advantages — from finding the place you want to dine at, to sharing pictures with your friends and family instantly. But there are downsides as well, especially when it comes to children who are tech savvy. If you are worried about the nature of the content your teen or tween (eight to 12 years) shares online, then you’re not alone.

A recent study by McAfee shows a huge increase in the number of teens and tweens who have access to technology. The study made more startling revelations. Facebook (no surprises here) is one of the most accessed social media networks by the age group. Although Facebook requires you to be 13 and above to sign up, kids create fake profiles on the networking website. More shockingly, they even befriend strangers — according to the survey, 53 per cent of these kids went ahead and met such strangers offline.

Seventy per cent kids revealed too much information online — including their home address, or contact details. Although 83 per cent of these kids were aware about the risks of posting such information online, they still went ahead and did it. Sixty one per cent of kids were even candid enough to admit that they think they can outsmart their parents when it comes to technology. But the lowest point is, perhaps, this — children can also be found on Tinder, a dating app for adults.

Needless to say, things might be getting a little out of hand. Where does one draw the line? Yes, we want our kids to be global citizens, to have friends across the globe, and no, we can’t be peering over their shoulders to check what they are up to all the time. Psychologists and child therapists advise parents to watch, but not to comment. Instead, they say, engage kids in a conversation and ask them what is right and wrong, instead of telling them what is right or wrong.

And if that doesn’t work, there are other, high-tech solutions, like anti-virus programmes. Some of them even come even free with your next computer purchase. All they need is a specialised tool.