Children as young as ten are sexting using terms such as peri peri and coleslaw 

As part of its effort to keep children safe, cyber-safety company SafeToNet analyses text messages sent by users and then flags content that it deems to be a safeguarding risk, such as sexting and cyber-bullying.  By analysing in excess of 65 million texts from over 50,000 children, it revealed that children as young as ten are sending sexual messages to each other and are using code words in an attempt to avoid detection.

The SafeToNet app works by using behavioural algorithms and keyboard overlay software.  When a child attempts to post a dangerous message it is blocked and advice is then shared with the child on how to communicate more safely.  Parents also receive a periodic report on the language being used by their children.  The app provides breathing exercises when its algorithms detect anxiety and an emotion diary allows children to explain their feelings more accurately.  The diary is a private area for children to record their feelings.

“ We weren’t expecting to see that…We thought it would be more likely to be boys than girls and in the 12 to 13 age group. ” Richard Pursey, Founder and Chief Executive, SafeToNet

However, by revealing this information, privacy concerns have been raised, with some describing the app as being tantamount to spyware and arguing that revealing this information contravenes the information posted on the SafeToNet website regarding data collection.

SafeToNet has won several awards including:

• Real Business: Selected as one of the 50 most disruptive companies
• Barclays: 2019 Entrepreneur of the year award
• Cisco: Included in the top 50 Cyber security startup category
• Bloomberg: Listed as a NOTWICS investible business

It has offices in the US, Canada, Germany and the UK.

Further information on SafeToNet and how the platform operates is available here: https://safetonet.com/features/