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Under-fives use internet half an hour a day

Almost three-quarters of children under five regularly use the internet, spending an average of 30 minutes online every day, research by Plymouth council has found.

Plymouth Safeguarding Children Board commissioned the research as part of efforts to promote internet safety.

Its survey of 219 households with young children found that a significant proportion of under-fives are using computers and mobile phones that can access the internet.

The report said that it was reassuring that the majority visited child-friendly websites such as CBeebies or Peppa Pig when online, but added that parents should still be cautious about risks, such as cyber-bullying and commercial exploitation.

Jim Gould, independent chair of the safeguarding board, said, 'The internet has become central to the lives of all children and has brought many benefits. But we know that children can come to harm through use of computers and mobile phones, and we have a responsibility to ensure they behave safely when online.'

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