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Safety fears keep older people off-line

Fears about online safety are putting off Britain’s over-50s and holding them back from getting to grips with computers and the internet.

A new survey from UK online centres has found that 50 per cent of over-50s living in the North-East are concerned about internet safety and personal security, while 21 per cent worry about coming across inappropriate content. Both are key factors stopping older people using the world wide web.

Of those silver surfers in the region who do use the internet, 86 per cent admitted to not feeling comfortable or secure online.

Topping the list of safety concerns for older people is identity theft, followed closely by worries about giving out credit card details, being defrauded or getting their computer hacked into by a stranger.

More than half of respondents also cited fear of computer viruses and internet predators as factors putting them off the internet.

The internet isn’t half as scary when you know something about it. It doesn’t matter if you are already an email addict or if you have never even turned a computer on. With the right advice and support you can make the most of the internet, safely.

Whatever you want to do, from keeping in touch, banking, renewing your tax disc, booking a bargain holiday, researching a hobby or just getting the shopping in, UK online centres could help you save time, hassle and even money by doing it online.

The UK online centre can show you that once you are aware of the dangers computers and the internet stop being scary and start being useful and even fun!

Don’t let safety fears hold you or someone you know back! To find your nearest UK online centre, call free on 0800 771234.