Stay Safe Online
Article from: My Family UK.
The internet is a wonderful resource. But there are dangers associated with it that children are particularly vulnerable to. By following some basic advice you can minimise these risks.
The internet
As a parent, you should be aware that the internet can pose a danger to children, but that using it is becoming increasingly unavoidable. It is important to know the dangers facing your child, and how to handle them.
Dangers
- Viewing of inappropriate content – e.g. content that is sexual, violent or discriminatory
- Viruses – damaging to your computer, often passed through email downloads
- Inappropriate contact – in the worst case scenario this might involve a child being sexually “groomed” by an adult online
- Cyberbullying – for instance on a social networking site
Staying safe
Several solutions to the problem can be found below.
1) Know your stuff
Understand how the internet works and what your child uses it for. This way you can accurately predict the pitfalls and know how to avoid them. Introductory courses are available from LearnDirect and BBC Webwise.
Young people will most commonly use the internet for communicating with friends (through email, instant messaging, chat rooms and social networking sites), entertainment (like playing online games), or as an educational resource (to find facts for homework and other projects).
2) Communicate with your child
Discuss the dangers involved in using the internet and how to avoid them, as well as what to do and who to talk to if something happens that they find frightening or upsetting. It is unlikely that you will be able to protect your child from everything that might affect them on the internet, so trust and open communication are very important.
3) Lay ground rules
Monitor small children carefully, and find sites you think are appropriate for them to go to. For older children, who use the internet more independently, try implementing your own rules or following the Smart Rules for internet use (from www.kidsmart.org.uk). Keep the family computer in a shared room so it is easier to supervise, and set times when it can and can’t be used.
4) Protect yourself
Explain to your kids that they should never give out personal details (such as their address or phone number) or financial details to someone they don’t know, or arrange to meet up with them. Protect your computer from viruses by deleting emails and attachments from people you don’t know, and by keeping anti-virus software up to date.
5) Use safety controls and filters
Most internet service providers, browsers and search engines now have controls that you can put in place to prevent certain kinds of websites from being opened, and to block particular search terms. For a list of what is available go to www.getnetwise.org. Another idea is to encourage your kids to use child-friendly search engines such as www.askkids.com or Yahooligans which filter out inappropriate content. Remember, none of these measures will be 100 per cent effective, so continue to follow the other tips as well.
Useful websites
www.thinkuknow.co.uk – a very useful website about internet safety with sections aimed at children of different ages, parents, and teachers
www.childnet-int.org – a charity devoted to child safety on the internet.
Further Information
For further information, and for more great ways to have fun with your family, log on to www.myfamilyuk.com. With a huge collection of articles covering everything from child safety to rainy day activities, you'll find all the help, guidance and entertainment you need to be a great parent.
About the Author
My Family UK is a brand new website that is turning the online focus back onto families. We're dedicated to supporting you and your family live the life you choose to the full, with games, tips, offers and articles on all aspects of parenting. If your family means the world to you, check out www.myfamilyuk.com.