The internet is a brilliant educational tool and can provide great entertainment. But there have been an abundance of horror stories presented in the news surrounding child safety online. Parents may feel that they struggle to protect children and young people when surfing the internet as they may think they have insufficient knowledge of the subject area themselves. Around 4 million parents confessed this year that they have not activated any safety setting on devices that the whole family uses.
A child psychologist, Dr Tanya Byron said there is a, “generational digital divide which means parents do not necessarily feel equipped to help their children in this space.”
Many children now spend long periods of time indoors watching television, playing video games or on computers. Nearly 50% of children access the internet on a daily basis and just fewer than 50% do so for more than 2 hours each session. Main activities are playing games, browsing social networking sites and watching videos. But a high proportion of children, have been found to play games or watch videos with certificate ratings recommended for older age groups.
It is fairly easy to control what your little ones may be watching on the television but some parents may even be unaware of what content is being accessed online. Whilst there may be inappropriate material available at the touch of a button, screening of the majority of offending materials is possible with minimal effort.
Initially, the internet was designed as an information sharing platform mainly aimed at the adult generation. However, there has recently been a shift in its purpose where users commonly upload content that is aimed at a wide variety of audiences, including children. Understandably, parents would wish to guard their children from content that is violent and sexually orientated and perhaps even drug related material. Sharing of information of this nature has become more feasible and can spread quicker by the use of Social Networking sites, for example Twitter and Instagram. People are now able to contact each other,regardless of geographical locations.
The progression of online communities means that children and young people are now vulnerable to identity theft, online attackers and cyber bullying.A survey in 2013 conducted by security education group ISC2 IT, found that 55% of youngsters believe that cyberbullying is the norm and over 200 children had arranged to meet up in person with people they had met online.
Dr Elizabeth Staksrud from the University of Oslow believes, “It’s rare that such meetings are associated with abuse.”
Positive interactions have resulted from some gatherings and in many cases children have informed family members of their intentions, so they could be accompanied. Nonetheless, on few occasions when abuse had taken place, the children concerned seemed to be unaware that meeting people through the internet can be dangerous. In every-day situations, children may be wary of communication with strangers, whereas on the internet they may not adopt the same attitude.
On the other hand, the internet has also increasingly been acting as a support network for children who may need help with an issue, but would prefer not to speak with someone in person or over the telephone.
An NSPCC and Childline representative said, “It’s been a really positive step and it has meant that they are seeking help more quickly and more effectively than in the past.”
Fundamentally, parents should converse with children on a regular basis about what websites or games they may be using. Ask them to demonstrate how the technology works if feeling uncertain of a child’s safety.
"Get your child to talk you through how to set up a Bebo account. Ask them to create one for you and let them make fun of you. And along the way, you can learn about, and explain, the pitfalls," said Carrie Longton, co-founder of Mumsnet.
The government has recognised that there is only so much power that a parent has over what information a child can access online and that issues surrounding safety, may differ with age.The department for Children and Young people has already supplied schools with guidance on safety whilst using mobiles and tablets. And as of September 2014, children will now be taught about online safety in school, from the ages of 5 to 16. The computing curriculum will aim to teach children how to use technology safely and respectfully, whilst keeping personal information private.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "The government takes the issue of child safety online very seriously and has set out a series of measures to help keep children safe online."
In May 2014, a government campaign backed by the Prime Minister was initiated known as ‘Internet Matters.’ Aimed at parents, it is intended as an educational resource, providing help and advice on online safety. Major Internet Providers such as BT, Sky, Virgin and Talk Talk, were key contenders in supporting the collaborative movement.
As a parent of 3, David Cameron said, “Of course the internet is a fantastic resource for young people –a place where they can be educated and entertained. But this virtual world can also pose a danger to children, with pornography, violence, self-harm and suicide websites sometimes just a few clicks away. And it is truly terrifying that our children can be exposed to this material.”
In response, Microsoft has also created its ‘Safer Families’ programme,that also vouches to teach parents the basics of online safety for children. In line with this,it will also provide workshops free of charge to workplaces across the UK in 2014.
It is important to allow children some independence whilst using the internet. Parents should be careful not to be overly cautious, as evidence suggests that learning to take risks and learning from mistakes are key steps in child development. If reigns are kept too tight on teenagers for example, if determined enough, they may wise up and find ways to override security filters. It is simply impossible to completely block out or avoid all unsuitable material. But there are some tools that can be used reduce the appearance of untoward content on a computer, such as:
Software is also available that can monitor online behaviour and alert parents by email, if a child has tried to look at intolerable material. With this information, parents can then openly converse with children about the dangers involved.
Microsoft has released a list of golden rules that parents should encourage their child to abide by whilst using the internet. These include but are not limited to.
Overall, the internet is a great provider of education, entertainment and support. And for many children, it is a resource accessed daily. Most parents are concerned about their child’s safety online but are uncertain of what precautions to take. Many feel at a loss when their child appears more technologically savvy than themselves. However, despite their technological upbringing, evidence implies that children do not consider their safety a high priority, whilst online. Therefore, they are at high risk of identity theft, online attacks and cyber bullying. The government is also taking steps to educate children at school of the risks involved and it has also initiated a campaign to help adults who are unsure of their role. Parents should avoid enforcing restrictions that offer children little freedom, as it is strong possibility they may learn to overcome these. Furthermore, spending too much time in front of a computer is unadvisable for adults as well as children. It may be worth considering setting time limits so children do not overindulge, as they must also dedicate time to other areas of development.
A great resource for parents who are unsure about family web safety has been created with the help of feedback from parents. The website covers main topics such as cyber bullying and social networking sites and includes advice from dedicated experts.
You can access the video blog at http://childsafetyonline.org.uk/.
Alternatively, the government initiative site offers detailed advice at www.internetmatters.org.
Follow Stay Safe:
A child psychologist, Dr Tanya Byron said there is a, “generational digital divide which means parents do not necessarily feel equipped to help their children in this space.”
Many children now spend long periods of time indoors watching television, playing video games or on computers. Nearly 50% of children access the internet on a daily basis and just fewer than 50% do so for more than 2 hours each session. Main activities are playing games, browsing social networking sites and watching videos. But a high proportion of children, have been found to play games or watch videos with certificate ratings recommended for older age groups.
It is fairly easy to control what your little ones may be watching on the television but some parents may even be unaware of what content is being accessed online. Whilst there may be inappropriate material available at the touch of a button, screening of the majority of offending materials is possible with minimal effort.
Initially, the internet was designed as an information sharing platform mainly aimed at the adult generation. However, there has recently been a shift in its purpose where users commonly upload content that is aimed at a wide variety of audiences, including children. Understandably, parents would wish to guard their children from content that is violent and sexually orientated and perhaps even drug related material. Sharing of information of this nature has become more feasible and can spread quicker by the use of Social Networking sites, for example Twitter and Instagram. People are now able to contact each other,regardless of geographical locations.
The progression of online communities means that children and young people are now vulnerable to identity theft, online attackers and cyber bullying.A survey in 2013 conducted by security education group ISC2 IT, found that 55% of youngsters believe that cyberbullying is the norm and over 200 children had arranged to meet up in person with people they had met online.
Dr Elizabeth Staksrud from the University of Oslow believes, “It’s rare that such meetings are associated with abuse.”
Positive interactions have resulted from some gatherings and in many cases children have informed family members of their intentions, so they could be accompanied. Nonetheless, on few occasions when abuse had taken place, the children concerned seemed to be unaware that meeting people through the internet can be dangerous. In every-day situations, children may be wary of communication with strangers, whereas on the internet they may not adopt the same attitude.
On the other hand, the internet has also increasingly been acting as a support network for children who may need help with an issue, but would prefer not to speak with someone in person or over the telephone.
An NSPCC and Childline representative said, “It’s been a really positive step and it has meant that they are seeking help more quickly and more effectively than in the past.”
Fundamentally, parents should converse with children on a regular basis about what websites or games they may be using. Ask them to demonstrate how the technology works if feeling uncertain of a child’s safety.
"Get your child to talk you through how to set up a Bebo account. Ask them to create one for you and let them make fun of you. And along the way, you can learn about, and explain, the pitfalls," said Carrie Longton, co-founder of Mumsnet.
The government has recognised that there is only so much power that a parent has over what information a child can access online and that issues surrounding safety, may differ with age.The department for Children and Young people has already supplied schools with guidance on safety whilst using mobiles and tablets. And as of September 2014, children will now be taught about online safety in school, from the ages of 5 to 16. The computing curriculum will aim to teach children how to use technology safely and respectfully, whilst keeping personal information private.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "The government takes the issue of child safety online very seriously and has set out a series of measures to help keep children safe online."
In May 2014, a government campaign backed by the Prime Minister was initiated known as ‘Internet Matters.’ Aimed at parents, it is intended as an educational resource, providing help and advice on online safety. Major Internet Providers such as BT, Sky, Virgin and Talk Talk, were key contenders in supporting the collaborative movement.
As a parent of 3, David Cameron said, “Of course the internet is a fantastic resource for young people –a place where they can be educated and entertained. But this virtual world can also pose a danger to children, with pornography, violence, self-harm and suicide websites sometimes just a few clicks away. And it is truly terrifying that our children can be exposed to this material.”
In response, Microsoft has also created its ‘Safer Families’ programme,that also vouches to teach parents the basics of online safety for children. In line with this,it will also provide workshops free of charge to workplaces across the UK in 2014.
It is important to allow children some independence whilst using the internet. Parents should be careful not to be overly cautious, as evidence suggests that learning to take risks and learning from mistakes are key steps in child development. If reigns are kept too tight on teenagers for example, if determined enough, they may wise up and find ways to override security filters. It is simply impossible to completely block out or avoid all unsuitable material. But there are some tools that can be used reduce the appearance of untoward content on a computer, such as:
- PC settings- Basic filtering tools are available on most web browsers along with the ‘safe search’ option. Application blockers can be activated and time limits on computer usage can also be set.
- Web filtering- Allows creation of lists of inaccessible websites and prohibits certain phrases and words.
- Program blocking- Prevents unacceptable downloads, whilst protecting your computer from viruses, that may compromise the security of a machine.
- Email filtering- Block unwanted content and messages from unfamiliar or untrusted addresses. Prevent your child from disclosing sensitive information, such as telephone numbers and addresses.
- Social networking/Instant message filtering- Similar to the former, select blocked words or phrases.
- Video filtering- Restrict undesirable media on websites like YouTube, on the basis of keywords and labels that a video may possess.
Software is also available that can monitor online behaviour and alert parents by email, if a child has tried to look at intolerable material. With this information, parents can then openly converse with children about the dangers involved.
Microsoft has released a list of golden rules that parents should encourage their child to abide by whilst using the internet. These include but are not limited to.
- Actively encourage children to keep passwords private. Do not share passwords with friends or people on the internet and never save them on a computer or email. Do not keep passwords that are written down in wallets or purses.
- If threatening behaviour is demonstrated on social networking sites seek help immediately primarily speaking with an adult and encourage children to be respectful of others opinions. Children should only be accessing these sites aged 13 plus and only communicate with people that they already know.
- Avoid using full names as usernames or adopt an appropriate nickname and do not disclose the full names of friends. Encourage them to provide as little information as possible about themselves on social networks.
- Under no circumstances arrange to meet up with someone in person who they have only met online.
- Toggle security settings so that profiles are only accessible to those who already know a child.
- Photographs should not include any information that may reveal true identity such as those taken in school uniform.
- Make clear that if the rules are not followed, the profile can be removed upon request by contacting the website.
- A new trend with younger people is online blogging similar to a personal journal. Children should be encouraged to think carefully about what information is posted in this manner. Try presenting good examples of blogs to children for them to follow the format. Parents should tell children that they will be able to check-up that the blog is being used appropriately on a regular basis.
- Educate children and particularly young people to look out for online fraud and scams. It is vital they never give out personal information and to log out correctly when using public computers.
- Make sure that any sites accessed are fully secure. It should always begin with https://, a padlock should be present at the bottom right corner of the screen or sometimes a green address bar will appear. If unsure, these features can be clicked on to look at the security certificate for a website.
Overall, the internet is a great provider of education, entertainment and support. And for many children, it is a resource accessed daily. Most parents are concerned about their child’s safety online but are uncertain of what precautions to take. Many feel at a loss when their child appears more technologically savvy than themselves. However, despite their technological upbringing, evidence implies that children do not consider their safety a high priority, whilst online. Therefore, they are at high risk of identity theft, online attacks and cyber bullying. The government is also taking steps to educate children at school of the risks involved and it has also initiated a campaign to help adults who are unsure of their role. Parents should avoid enforcing restrictions that offer children little freedom, as it is strong possibility they may learn to overcome these. Furthermore, spending too much time in front of a computer is unadvisable for adults as well as children. It may be worth considering setting time limits so children do not overindulge, as they must also dedicate time to other areas of development.
A great resource for parents who are unsure about family web safety has been created with the help of feedback from parents. The website covers main topics such as cyber bullying and social networking sites and includes advice from dedicated experts.
You can access the video blog at http://childsafetyonline.org.uk/.
Alternatively, the government initiative site offers detailed advice at www.internetmatters.org.
Follow Stay Safe:
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