Frankie Bridge says parents cant avoid worrying about their children, especially online

Two thirds of parents discover more about their child's life at the dinner table than any other time, according to a poll.

The survey of 1,000 mothers and fathers of children aged six to 16 revealed that 41% believe meal times are the only opportunity they have to truly connect with their offspring.

Parents admit to struggling when it comes to discussing topics such as their children's feelings, school life and friendships. More crucially, they find it difficult to talk about their children's online experiences.

A third find it harder to discuss their children's online experiences than their romantic relationships.

Singer, presenter, and mother of two, Frankie Bridge, like many parents, finds it challenging not to worry about her children, especially regarding the digital world.

Frankie Bridge, whose eldest son Parker is starting secondary school in September, stated: "I do consider myself pretty internet savvy but when it comes to my kids, it's a whole different world - their online lives are just so different from mine."

"As a parent, it's a bit overwhelming trying to balance all the things I'm worried about - like gaming, social media, all that stuff I don't really get - while also remembering that so much of what we do is online now," she added.

A recent study by Tesco Mobile has revealed that one in 10 parents admit to being in the dark about their child's online activities, despite three-quarters considering their child's online safety a top priority.

To help bridge this gap, Tesco Mobile has teamed up with The Cafe to launch a series of conversation starters aimed at facilitating open discussions about online safety between parents and children.

The guidance, developed by child psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado and online safety experts Internet Matters, is available online or via a QR code on 'table talkers' in The Cafe, located in Tesco stores.

Dr Martha Deiros Collado advises: "When discussing online safety, approach it as a collaborative conversation - not an interrogation - by sharing your own experiences, listening without judgement, and validating their feelings.

"Regular family moments, like mealtimes, are ideal for normalising these discussions and building trust, so children feel safe navigating their digital lives. As a clinical psychologist and mother, I've seen how smartphones can impact young people's mental health, both positively and negatively.

"While cyberbullying and online harassment pose real risks, smartphones also offer teenagers valuable opportunities to build friendships, find support, and experience a sense of belonging. It's essential to educate children on managing these risks while helping them gain the full benefits of the internet."

Research revealed that among parents who view mealtimes as an opportunity for conversation with their child, 61% believe it fosters closer family ties.

Nearly half attribute this to the absence of distractions, while 48% consider it a secure environment for emotional expression. A further 51% think the routine and consistency of mealtimes enable their child to open up more easily.

Sally Marriott, CTO of Tesco Mobile, commented: "As parents, we're constantly navigating new challenges, and keeping children safe online is one of the most pressing.

"By bringing these discussions to the dinner table, we hope to help families with the difficulties they face when trying to broach challenging topics like this."