Talk to Virgin Media about your internet habits and internet safety for your DCs - you could win an iPad Air! NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

Virgin Media have asked us to find out out about Mumsnetters' internet habits, as well as internet safety for your DCs.

Virgin Media say "At Virgin Media we know that the online world offers loads of opportunities for kids to have fun, explore and learn new things. But there might also be some things that you’d rather your child didn’t see or do. The web's packed with fun and informative stuff for your kids to explore but, just like in the real world, there are things we all need to watch out for. Experts say that much of what you know about parenting in the real world also applies online, and at the end of the day, you know your kids best! So, we'd love to hear about how you and your children use the internet"

Below are a few points to get you started, but feel free to add any other comments you have:

• How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online?
• How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?
• Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?
• How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?

Please note, Virgin Media may use your comments on social media and elsewhere, so please only comment if you're happy with this.

Everyone who adds a comment to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad Air (Space Grey, 16GB and Wi-Fi enabled).

Thanks, and good luck!
MNHQ

PS - Check out Virgin Media's exclusive offers for Mumsnetters here.

dc 9 only allowed supervised access

DS8 and DD6 both have restricted access accounts on our Mac, which filters out some bits and we can set which sites they're allowed on. It's in our sitting room, so they only go on when we're around and vaguely keeping an eye! They have a list of sites/games they know they can go on, and they know to ask if they want to look at something else...
They both have a few games/apps on my iPad, but don't use Internet on it without me being there. Again, we're around to check up...
We talk about being safe online and not giving out info etc particularly with older child.
They can search YouTube from tv, but it's mainly used for Stampy minecraft videos! Again, only when we're around...
I think it's about teaching them the skills and understanding that the net's full of useful things, but they need to know how to stay safe and not to believe everything they read, so that they can become increasingly independent as they grow up.
Broadband speed? V important! Drives us mad when we go to visit parents who live in area with really slow broadband!

I encourage my DC to be confident in the world, to always think rationally about what is being asked of them or offered to them. I do not shield them from the fact that bad things happen, as they need to be aware of problems that could arise. At the same time I help them to be positive and socially minded. To some extent this basic attitude can translate into the online world. I teach them not to be schmucks and to be independent and not follow the herd or be bullied in any context. School is obsessed with online safety and they have learnt the various mantras. Not sure how much that helps. Other than that, all one can do is to try to get them to open up about what they are doing.

Got my broadband account some time ago, from the same people who I had dial up from. I know I am paying over the odds but I don't have time to faff around and change things.
Speed, schemed...as long as I get on, I don't care too much. I don't do much downloading, though DP does upload stuff....

How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online?
Talk to them, this is the only way. If kids do not understand why something is dangerous they will never know how to protect themselves.

How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?
Again talk, talk and then talk some more. Give examples and explain why some behaviour isn’t acceptable. It is actually very scary what some people share online, and this isn’t limited to kids. Most people really don’t have a clue how to use the internet safely and protect their family.

Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?
I bought it over the phone and it was a decision made purely based on the speed of the service.

How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?
For us it is very important, mainly due to the fact that I work from home and fast broadband is a must.

Keeping children safe is a continual battle when they use the internet. I believe it has to start early when they first access the web. Keep it communal; (say in the sitting room not b'room) keep passwords open to the family, keep talking and try not to censure.

We changed broadband after lots of research on the web.

Speed is important but I don't know what speed we get. It depends on how quick the sites respond whether I'm satisfied or not.

We can't be with our children 24/7 so the only thing we can do is keep letting them know they're loved and that they can talk about anything.

To keep safe(r) on the internet I've learned it's important to change passwords etc.

-How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online?

My children (almost 6 and just 3) are rarely without my husband or I. We have taught them about road safety etc, but there hasn't been an opportunity or need to teach them about the more unsavoury aspects of the world we live in. They know it's important to always keep us in sight as they wouldn't want to lose us. In terms of being online, they have no particular need to be know about unsavoury characters online either?

• How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?

They don't really know about any dangers of being online. They are never left unattended for long periods online anyway....

• Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?

We chose our broadband as BT sport had just taken over airing the MotoGP. This is important to my husband! We have BT infinity 1, the higher of the two... and only receive 1 GB more than if we were on infinity 2. Our contract is up for renewal in a week. We'll be downgrading then. We signed up online and went for the best deal we could at the time.

• How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?

Speed is very important. We stream netflix, we play online games, frequently have a laptop, tablet and two smartphones hooked up to the internet at the same time. We download catch up programs from Sky. So not only speed, but unlimited data is actually more important to us.

My children are only young, so I guess at this age they don't have a particular need to be browsing the internet. My oldest has figured out there is a search box in youtube, and will search for lego films or star wars. I will need to start watching more closely from now on as he gets more confident with spelling!!

I have parental filters on and i always check their internet history

I work in an environment where internet safety is often discussed, I therefore am only too well aware of the pitfalls of free access to the internet by children. Luckily my children are still quite young and therefore internet access is very limited and only under adult supervision; however I am well aware that the situation will change as the children grown older and I have ensured that all accessible internet devices have parental control software installed.

My little one is only 3 but he already loves spending time on tablet. I check out reviews for suitable Apps. As he gets older I will need to become aware of Internet security more but I do find that quite a few of the pop ups show unsuitable images eg violent games adverts.
I would like to start to look into a new broadband package and would love fibre optic but we are not in a connected area.
Although the Internet is a powerful and amazing modern day invention it does need to be monitored.
I do believe that so many parents do not realise the dangers of the Internet to young people and most of us are not able to fully protect our children from harmful sites and images online.

• How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online?

I tell them they need to tell me where they are going I tell them not to go with strangers I tell them to stay with their friends I tell them not to play out alone I tell them to look after their friends I'm not sure how this can really be applied online we have passwords and security settings but probably aren't vigilant enough the children aren't aware of chat rooms and that's kind of saying that we should probably talk about it they've had Internet safety lessons at school

• How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?

I don't particularly get involved they tell me what they like to online and normally do it themselves within reason

• Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?

I found it very very hard to make these decisions it's hard to see where you can really save money even with comparison services and recommendations from friends still not sure I've made the right decisions still spending a lot spending a lot

• How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?

Speed of Internet is important with lots of devices in use and all of us being impatient I don't know anything about broadband speed ours was said to be not that fast by our provider I have no idea about fibre-optic broadband fibre optic broadband

After doing this survey I know I need to become more involved with Internet safety and getting the most out of the Internet for my children

My grandson aged 9 is very inquisitive especially U tube so I need to have the parental lock on my tablet also I need to keep an eye on him, some of the u tube things are still uncensored!

DD is not old enough for the internet yet but she won't be allowed a computer or tablet in her room. She will have to use it in a public space where I can keep an eye on her.

Speed is very important for us as I like to stream iPlayer.

• How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online?

We have regular discussions about making good choices and the consequences of our actions with all our DC. We also talk about 'stranger danger'. Both these subjects apply online too but at the moment, only really to our eldest DC (13). When the younger ones start using social media, we'll discuss this with them too.

• How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?

We encourage them to use online resources for homework etc, rather than just asking us. If we don't know the answer to something, we suggest that they look it up. We discuss what we expect from their usage and what is/isn't acceptable. We also keep an eye on how long they spend online.

• Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?

I'm with my current provider because I think they offer value for money, relative to their competitors. Their customer service is shocking though - luckily I don't often have reason to contact them. I think we originally subscribed over the phone.

• How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?

Like everyone else, when it's slow, it's frustrating but it's okay-ish generally and we manage, despite the fact that our speed is probably below average. I would prefer fibre optic but I don't want to pay any more than I currently do.

My kids are 7 and 5 and very savvy with the internet (worryingly so!). They both go onto YouTube and watch videos etc, and click on random things and yes, some of the content is not suitable at all. I do supervise them though so am quick to click away!

At the moment being responsible and staying safe involves a lot of talking and discussion and is something that we apply online too. They are still very young, but making them aware that there is 'bad stuff' online, and ensuring that they are sensible enough not to click onto it is the way forward. As they grow older, we will put in parental controls onto their own computers (when we buy them!) so that they are not able to search for the rude bits!

We chose our broadband and TV services purely through research on the internet. Again, as things change and the children grow older and demand certain things we will probably look to friends for their recommendations. Speed of the internet is massively important in our house as my husband works from home, but he is more technologically savvy than me and therefore makes those decisions. I don't know anything about fibre optic broadband, but I bet he does!

My child is 12 and there is a security age limit set, of 13, on the computer and broadband. There are constant discussion about age appropriate use, as she also has internet access on her mobile, which is monitored. There are disucssions at high school as well, which is wonderful as this re-focuses on what is right and what is not appropriate or illegal. I am afriad that with the constant internet world and a greater reliance on it, for everything, there is a need to restrict and monitor children until they understand the responsiblities and care needed to use it without supervision.

DS is 17 and this year I removed parental controls from his computer for the first time. There were legitimate sites he wanted to access and couldn't. We had a long talk about responsibility and safety, and he knows that until he turns 18 I may ask to see his computer history at any time!

My younger child watches cartoons on the iPad. Parental controls are on maximum, in case he was able to accidentally access inappropriate internet content. When he is old enough to have his own devices they will have parental controls enabled too - and checked sporadically.

We chose our TV and broadband package by comparing broadband speeds and strength in our area, because we use the internet a lot for work. Virgin Media was the clear winner. We've been with them for about three years now. We applied online because it seemed simplest.

My DD is too small to be on the internet but I protect her by not uploading pictures on Facebook / websites. I worry (probably for nothing) about her image being available online so I avoid doing it.

• How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online? - How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?

We talk about the risks (in child-friendly terms) and the fact that risks are there. We talk about how she can stay safe and I know she also does 'safety' at school which gives similar messages. DD (7) only uses the CBBC website and other links in her bookmark folder that we have checked. Our computer is in a communal space in our home so we can see what is open.

• Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?

We are quite limited to Broadband services given where we live and our user is less about who wed choose to be with and more about who offers services here.

• How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?

Quite important in that it's so annoying when things won't load or are slow to load. BT assures us that our speed is the best it can be in our area, disappointing given how slow it dips at times!

Must admit I've never used a programme like Net Nanny, etc. I tried adjusting the computers security settings and you couldn't get on hardly any websites so I changed back immediately.

Our security has consisted of having the laptop in the dining room so someone is around. Dd is 14 and has just had a PC put in her bedroom. Again no security apart from virus protection. She doesn't have a webcam and I don't feel she needs one. She's quite sensible and quite feisty as well.

She does talk to other gamers via Mumble and did once have a bloke being a bit creepy. Telling her he liked little girls, etc. she told him to F off and blocked him. I asked if it had upset her and she said it hadn't that she knows there's sick weirdos out there but they can say what they want, they can't actually hurt her so she's not bothered. She's been told all the stuff about not giving out your name, address, etc.

I've been with virgin for Internet and phone since for ever. We have ntl email addresses we've been with them so long. I don't know much about fibre optic broadband apart from its faster?

Sometimes I've looked at other places like Sky, BT but their Internet speeds don't compare so we haven't changed. I did however change the TV from Virgin to Sky purely so I could watch Game of Thrones on Sky Atlantic.

How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online?
I have two dc's of very different ages so my approach is different with each. With the teenager, I teach him about being aware of what's around him (instead of plugging in headphones when walking alone for example) and the dangers of his peers to make sure he doesn't get led astray!
There are also the usual road safety rules.
Online, he needs to be just as aware of strangers as he does in the real world. Pictures he posts and videos he posts on youtube are accessible to the world within seconds. I've applied parental controls so I know what websites he visits and it's monitored what he posts online.
With my dd she is only 3 so I'm starting to teach her the importance of walking sensibly holding my hand on the way to playgroup and 'stranger danger' She is really smart at using new technology and I've already told her in basic terms how the internet isn't all princesses and lovely things and how you have to be careful. It's a shame at such a young age I've had to tell her that but you can't be too careful.

• How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?

Despite it's down points, the internet is a magnificent thing, it's like an infinite encyclopaedia and it's ever changing and growing, so the last thing I want to do is ban it or make it out to be a bad thing. Having the monitoring going on in the background is a weight off my mind. They don't mind either. By reinstalling the information I've given them about staying safe, they can enjoy the internet without worrying about something terrible happening.

• Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?

I live in a very rural spot so had to leave virgin media sadly as it hasn't reached my town yet. I was pretty gutted actually because I loved their playback features and great deals. I only had one option where I live so I had to go with them. Before moving house I chose virgin media because of their services that they could provide and their customer service.

• How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?

It doesn't really bother me how fast it is (as long as it's not dial up speed!) I wouldn't really notice. However my son who likes gaming online notices the speed. Fibre optic broadband is slowly making its way to my town in certain roads but i really dont think I personally would notice any difference!

As DD gets older this definitely concerns me more, she's at an age where Instagram is the big thing and I try and instil in her not to add people she doesn't know but through regular check ups I have found stuff on there I definitely don't want her to see. She knows I have added dto all her accounts and regularly look through and she knows it is to keep her safe. They get lessons on Internet safety at school but like most kids she thinks she is invincible. The Internet is amazing but can be so dangerous if you don't know how to keep yourself safe. In terms of real life safety I tell DD she can always call me, come to me and tell me everything, this applies to online too and I hope I've fostered an atmosphere where she feels happy to do this no matter the situation.

best advice is always read privacy & t&cs and never give personal info out.

• How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online?

Try to be honest and explain dangers without frightening him

• How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?

allow him to use ipad or pc but only while supervised

• Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?

Chosen by husband based on past experiences with a variety of different providers

• How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?

Very important, as we live near the top of a mountain and more than 3 miles from our nearest exchange, speed is very poor in our area. We would love to have fibre optic broadband but it is not currently available here. I think it will become available during 2015. We are planning to sign up as soon as it does.

My thoughts:
- How do you help your DC(s) be responsible and stay safe in the real world? Can this be applied online?
Honesty is the best policy - plus a good firewall and anti-virus.
- How do you help your DC(s) make the most of the online world, and become a safe and responsible user(s) of the internet?
Setting limits on their time, and, as above, talking to them about the dangers.
- Last time you were choosing your broadband and TV services, how did you make your decision? Was it based on things like recommendations from friends or family, or reviews? Did you buy online, over the phone or go into a store?
A mixture of price and availability in our area.
- How important is the speed of internet in your household? Do you know what your broadband speeds allows you? What do you know about fibre optic broadband?
Speed is very important for playing games. I don't know our speed, but I'm stuck with it as fibre optic isn't yet available: once it is I know that will be quicker.