The internet exists as a great form of modern communication; you can connect with people from all over the world, play games and learn about pretty much anything you want with a click of a button. However, the internet also comes with its risks. According to Ofcom’s research, data has demonstrated that 86% of 3-4 year olds have access to a tablet at home and 21% have their own tablet. Today children have greater exposure to online environments. This can be a good thing as children can use the internet as a great educational resource however children are also at risk from encountering the dark side of the internet where they could experience groomers, hackers and scammers as well as harmful or offensive content. As a parent, protecting your child is your number one priority; parents can help their children to understand these risks to enable child safety online.
What risks can children encounter online?
To ensure child safety online it is important to be aware of the various risks that young people face on the internet. The following list gives examples of these dangers:
- Being exposed to violent, sexual and pornographic content
- Reading inaccurate or false information and extreme views
- Seeing harmful behaviours such as self-harm, anorexia and suicide promoted on the internet
- Grooming
- Over-sharing of personal information
- Having their identity stolen by hackers
- Actively or unintentionally becoming involved in bullying or hurtful behaviour (cyberbullying)
- Online scams
How does what children see online affect them?
- They may feel confused and upset by what they have perceived online which can lead to them feeling uncertain about what to do
- They may feel pressured to engage in more risky behaviour either by accident or because they think it is the right thing to do because they have seen it on the internet
- They are at risk of developing warped and damaging ideals of body image and gender
- They can become overwhelmed by the intense interactions made with ‘friends’ online or on chat forums.
- The can create an online presence that may create problems for them in the future
- They may regurgitate harmful, inappropriate or offensive views they have seen elsewhere online
How can I ensure child safety online?
You can’t monitor your children 24/7 but there are ways you can open a dialogue with your children to promote a safer online experience. Having them aware of the risks will help them navigate the internet with more care. Below you will find our top 3 tips that you can put in place at home to ensure child safety online.
1. Establishing boundaries
It is important to establish rules with your children so that they know what is acceptable to do online. For example, make them aware that posting or trading personal pictures online is unacceptable. Additionally, they should never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location as this could seriously endanger themselves and the rest of the family. They should not share passwords (other than with parents) and should never agree meet up in person with anyone met online without parent approval and/or supervision. If they recieve a threatening email, message, post, or text they should tell an adult instead of responding. Finally, children should always tell a parent or other trusted adult about any communication or conversation that was scary or hurtful.
2. Use parental tools
Parental controls and filters are there for a reason so make use for your own peace of mind. Controlling what your child accesses online can help to minimize the chances of them engaging with harmful or offensive content. Parental controls and filters which can be used on your home internet,devices, phone networks and online services such as Netflix and YouTube. Don’t forget to create a strong password so your child/children cannot access the controls.
Alongside using parental controls it is also important to supervise your child and maintain a conversation about how to ensure child safety online. As your child grows and develops, you can alter the parental controls to give them more freedom online if you feel comfortable with this.
3. Open up a dialogue about child safety online
Try to begin the conversation around child safety online as early as possible in order to create awareness and routines early in a child’s life. In having these conversations your child will develop a better understanding of how to have fun on the internet whilst also being safe. As children start engaging with technology and the internet these conversations can and should begin. It is important for parents to talk openly with their children and listen to what their children have to say in return – don’t lecture them as this could cause children to rebel.
You can also help your child to implement strategies that they can use if something ever worries or upsets them online. For example, switching the screen off, closing the laptop, exiting the website, or turning the iPad or phone off and asking the parents for help are ways your child can take control of their online experience and practice child safety online.
Want to learn more?
Follow the link to the GOV.uk website to find out more information about child safety online. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers-whose-children-are-using-social-media