Goldilocks reimagined to teach children about using social media responsibly

Children’s story Goldilocks And The Three Bears has been reimagined for the digital age as a way to help parents and children discuss using social media responsibly.

Called #Goldilocks, the new story has been written by award-winning children’s author Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Horrid Henry illustrator Tony Ross.

In it, Goldilocks gets into trouble with the three bears over her quest for likes on social media, with the story covering issues such as oversharing and being responsible online.

It has been released to mark the launch of Vodaphone’s new Digital Parenting website, which will offer online safety guides and wellbeing advice to parents and children.

The e-book can be downloaded for free from the website.

It launches alongside new research from YouGov which shows that nearly half of children (48%) are aware of social media by the age of seven, with a third saying they had looked at or used social media by that age.

Helen Lamprell, general counsel and external affairs director for Vodafone UK, said more access into the conversation around the safe use of social media would benefit both parents and children.

“Social media can be a great way for young people to communicate, be creative and develop their digital skills,” she said.

“We know parents want to talk to their children about how to use social media safely and responsibly but often aren’t sure how.

“#Goldilocks offers a fun, accessible way to start the conversation with younger children, who we know are increasingly aware of, and using, social media.”