Know what your child is doing online

Statistics constantly remind us what we all know: in most cases children know more about computers and mobile phones than their parents.

Young people are connected to the internet and to each other via mobile phones, instant messaging, blogging, twitter, online gaming and social networking sites. This brings a whole new dimension of creativity and opportunities, but also risks of exposure to pornography, to individuals who may chat to them inappropriately or try to meet them for sexual activity, and to cyberbullying.

Parents, teachers and children need to be internet savvy and understand how to be safe. We hope the following information will help you.

Practical help

We recommend:

• Discuss what you believe are appropriate things for your children to use the Internet for and encourage positive use.
• Take an interest in what your child looks at, reads and does on any computer, including those belonging to friends and at school etc.
• Consider moving your family computer to the living room so you can see what your child is doing.
• Install blocking/filtering/accountability software.
• Check to see what your child’s school is doing to highlight problems.
• Encourage your children to tell you about any online activities or conversations that make them feel uncomfortable.
• Remind your children not to give out any personal information or meet someone they do not know without you being present.
• Take time to talk to your child about sex, sexual relationships and pornography.
• Keep up to date by checking our protecting families online page.

Websites:

Childnet International has several educational sites:

www.kidsmart.org.uk – information for parents, teachers and young people about the internet

www.chatdanger.com – Answers your questions about chat rooms

www.childnet.com/kia – multimedia resources developed for parents

www.nch.org.uk – Children’s charity website on internet safety

www.thinkuknow.co.uk - The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre.
Information for parents and children on how to stay safe.

www.kidsandmedia.co.uk – Information and advice

 

Filtering Software

www.getnetwise.org – Information on filtering, especially when ‘searching’

www.covenanteyes.com – Recommended by CARE for accountability software [mainly for adults], also provides a filtering product. Also covers smartphones for those with a Covenant Eyes family account.

However, don’t forget that your children may be able to access the internet at other places other than home – at a friend’s house, library or through their mobile phone.

Strangers

If you suspect inappropriate internet chat or behaviour is going on, you should discuss it and report to it the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. You can make a report on their website: www.ceop.gov.uk

Online bullying

Young people are increasingly finding themselves bullied by peers via their mobile phone, email, social networking sites and other online systems. If you suspect this is happening, talk to your child; find out as much as possible. Keep any evidence. You should also go and see the head teacher of your child’s school.

For more information on cyberbullying, click here or refer to www.digizen.org.