A recent study conducted by Human Mobile Devices (HMD) and Perspectus Global has found that approximately 51% of children have been contacted online by unknown individuals.

Furthermore, nearly 40% reported being exposed to harmful online content, including explicit and violent material.

The survey involved responses from over 25,000 children and parents across six countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The research also indicated that one in three children has been encouraged to shift conversations to private messaging applications.

In addition, 56% of respondents reported experiences of being insulted or belittled online.

Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President of HMD Global for the AMEA region, noted the disparity between parental protections in the offline and online realms.

"The overall feedback we got was that we are often overprotective of our children in the offline world but are under-protective when they are venturing into the online world.

This exposes them to the dangers of the online environment," he said.

Kochhar emphasized the necessity for parents to establish guided introductions for children into the digital world.

Hanan Ezzeldin, a Dubai-based educator specializing in social media risks, stated that the survey results were expected based on her experiences.

Ezzeldin shared a specific case involving a 13-year-old boy from Dubai who befriended a 19-year-old, later discovered to be a 40-year-old man posing online.

She recommended that parents enforce strict digital safety measures, such as setting social media accounts to private and educating children about the dangers of communicating with strangers on the internet.

Omer Tariq, CEO of the mental health platform Helply, highlighted the risks associated with unrestricted device access for children.

He remarked that giving children unrestricted access to smartphones is akin to giving them "the keys to a world they’re not fully prepared for," warning that excess usage can lead to social media addiction, negatively impacting sleep, education, and real-life interactions.

In response to concerns over children's online safety, HMD is set to launch the 'Better Phone Project,' a device aimed at providing a controlled entry into the digital realm for teenagers.

The phone will feature parental controls, social media and browser restrictions, GPS tracking, and focus modes designed to operate alongside children's developmental stages.

Research indicated that the average age for a child's first smartphone is 11, with 54% of parents expressing regret for introducing it too early.

"After nearly a year of research and collaboration with over 12,000 parents, we developed the HMD Fusion X1 to create technology that grows with the child," Kochhar explained.

The device aims to offer age-appropriate controls and foster responsible digital habits as children mature.