You may have heard that today is Safer Internet Day; lots of organisations are running workshops and sessions on this for children as part of a global initiative. The internet is a magical place but how can we be sure that our kids are using it safely?
Children are increasingly using technology as part of their learning at school. The days of a blackboard and chalk are long-gone; we are immersed in an interactive and digital world. I know from experience that my 5 year old understands more about the workings of our iPad than I do. He explained that I had switched the mute button on, after I spent 20 minutes turning the volume up and down with little result. He fixed it for me, totally exasperated with his inept, technologically un-savvy mum!
Do we always know exactly what they are watching when we hand them our smart phones or tablets for them to entertain themselves whilst we are busy, trying to get the weekly shop done or need a lie in? How quickly can your child move from watching Cbeebies on BBC iPlayer, to watching an 18 rated flick in the film category?
We all have a tendency to trust some of what we see online; and children, more than anyone else, are particularly undoubting. Cyberbullying is a phrase we often hear in the media and hurtful messages are enough to potentially crush any adult’s self esteem, let alone that of a young person or child.
We also know that a big problem is sharing personal information online. As kids, we were no doubt taught about stranger danger (yell, run, tell), but your child’s world has opened up hugely now. Is it any wonder that children who see their parents sharing photos of their offspring on Facebook, think that sharing their personal details is a-ok because mummy and daddy have put (carefully edited) pictures on social media of them in the bath! Thinking about this has certainly made me reconsider what I share online about my boy’s adventures.
So, where do you start to ensure that your child is safe online, whilst still enjoying all of the very many positive things that the internet has to offer? We have compiled some great bite-sized online resources for you that we think are really helpful:
1. Childnet International
Great video for parents with an overview of what you need to know about how children use the internet (translated in lots of other languages including BSL too)
http://www.childnet.com/resources/kia
2. UK Safer Internet Centre
Resources for 3-11 year olds (films, storybooks and other fun sites)
http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-and-resources/young-people/3-11s
Resources for 11-19 year olds (films, games, quizzes and advice)
http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-and-resources/young-people/11-19s
3. Think you know
Activities and resources for children aged 5-7, 9-10, 11-13 and 14+
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
4. CBBC Technobabble vlog
One to watch with your CBBC aged kids!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/watch/technobabble-online-safety-vlog
5. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)
If you need to report something, please contact
http://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Remember, our kids may be 'tech literate' but we are 'life literate'! Just because our kids may be more confident than us in using technology, they still need our involvement, advice and support!
Author: Sue Fendt, freelance marketer and owner of Mum2mum Market Havering