Online safety for our KIDS !

Your kids may be internet savvy, but don’t turn a blind eye to your child’s online safety! We are in a time where children access the internet in all areas of their lives: leisure, school, and online tutoring. You aren’t always there to monitor their activity.

In Australia, 1 in 4 children aged 11-16 connect with people they first met online. Friendships develop faster online than in person. As children advance in their understanding of technology, they engage with people through social media and online learning platforms. Many parents are grappling with how to ensure their children’s safety. We have listed some of the best ways ensure they are safe below:

Have the tricky conversations

If your child is using the internet—whether with your supervision or independently—it’s essential to have conversations about the potential risks they may encounter online. Moreover, the depth of these discussions should vary depending on your child’s age. Nevertheless, each conversation should consistently involve you:

• Encouraging your child to come to you if they are unsure of what they are seeing or if someone or something is scaring them online.

• Discussing the importance of not revealing any personal information, never agreeing to meet in person with someone online, and never trade pictures.

• Tell your child to stay away from websites that aren’t meant for children or teenagers.

• Discussing how unknown links are a potential risk and not to open them.

• Discuss with them what to do if they do see something bad.

Get to know the technology

Regardless of how much technology interests you, as a parent it’s essential that you take the time to become familiar with the devices, social media and programs your child is using or is likely to use in the future. Having a level of knowledge about technology enables you to manage their usage better and understand the risks associated with them.

Be engaged

Use online resources as a family by having game sessions together, talking about their favourite websites and games, and talk about what they have been doing online.

Have rules and expectations around internet usage

Rules are never fun, but if you engage the whole family in making the rules around online usage and safety, it is more likely to encourage them to comply. Some rules could include:

• Asking permission to use chat features in games

• No sharing of photos of yourself

• Parents to have all login details

• Put a time limit on how much time can be spent online in a day

Have access to all their login details

Having access to your child’s login details to any programs, accounts or games they use should be non-negotiable. While there is always the risk they will set up secret accounts, keeping the conversation open and having rules in place that they have helped create should deter any secret-keeping.

If your child is younger, it would be expected that you are setting up all accounts your child is using and being the keeper of the login details.

Be present during online usage

While it’s reasonable to expect your teenager won’t want you hovering online, it’s recommended that you are present when possible. Keep the lines of communication open. It is especially important to be nearby during an online tutoring session, in case the tutor needs to talk to you.

If your child is younger, it is suggested that you sit down with them and spend time engaging in their online usage.

Watch for warning signs

You may not link your child’s change in behavior to cyberbullying, online grooming, or exposure to something scary online. It is easy to assume that something might be happening at school or they are just getting older. If your child is using technology and is online, watch for these warning signs that something isn’t right:

• Secrecy about online activity

• Changes in mood or behaviour

• Sudden withdrawal from technology and other things they enjoy

• Your child is worried about attending school

For further information on the different type of issues your child may face online, see the Australian Government Safety Guide for Parents.

Online Tutoring

Online tutoring companies are vigilant in maintaining student safety. They have measures in place to protect their students. Additionally, online tutors undergo the same vetting process as face-to-face tutors. However, it’s still essential to take steps to safeguard your child:

• As the parent, you should always organise the tutoring sessions. Ensure the company is reputable and staff have a working with children check.

• Be present at the beginning and end of each session. This ensures your child is focused and not accessing other online content.

• At each session, confirm that the tutor is the assigned person for your child. If it’s not your usual tutor and you haven’t been informed of any changes, do not proceed with the session.

In all measures to ensure your child’s online safety, don’t demand information. Instead, keep conversations open about their online usage. Engage in online activities with them.