Parents who feel more confident in managing digital risks are more likely to take steps to protect their children’s privacy online, according to a recent study conducted by Kaspersky in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Technology.

According to a press release, the study examines how parents perceive and respond to the risks of sharing content about their children on social media. While such sharing can help families connect and document daily life, it may also expose children to risks including profiling, tracking and misuse of personal data.

Based on 152 responses from parents across Asia and beyond, the study finds that “self-efficacy”, or confidence in managing online threats, is a key factor shaping behaviour. About 85 percent of respondents said they believed they could avoid sharing sensitive information, while 84 percent reported being able to limit access to trusted circles. Around 80 percent said they disable resharing features, and 78 percent remove metadata from posts. The survey was conducted between mid-October 2025 and February 2026 among parents of children aged up to 12, as per the press release.

The study also points to differences across age and gender. Older parents were found to act more proactively, which researchers attribute to greater experience. Mothers, meanwhile, reported higher levels of confidence in protecting their children’s digital presence. Despite relatively high levels of awareness, the findings highlight the need for continued cybersecurity education and media literacy, particularly as risks linked to online sharing are often not immediately visible, states the press release.