How are you marking safer internet day on Tuesday the 7th of February? There is still plenty of time to support the campaign:
“Be the change: unite for a better internet” from the UK Centre for Safer internet.
Please click on the link below.
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2017.
Please do support it to help our children online. We know that the internet has so much to offer our children and can support them educationally, socially and even supporting them in their mental health. However, it can be utilized to evoke anxiety, bully and place our children at risk sexually. Did you know that children as young as eight are signing away their privacy rights and do not know that they are doing this? This means that your child’s content, photos could be shown over the world unknowingly.
Please click on the video link from Anne Longfield Children’s commissioner on the Victoria Derbyshire show and underneath the Guardian Link for the full article below the video.
Do you talk to your children what they agree too? Are they supervised on the internet?
You can use this day to start a conversation with your child or children about the internet, it’s likely that their school will participate too so a great opportunity for discussion. You can use this day to start a conversation with your child or children about the internet, it’s likely that their school will participate too so a great opportunity for discussion.
The UK Centre for safer internet is an excellent resource and although seems to be targeted towards school, charities and other organizations, it offers lots of information too in their blogs, for parents such as Facebook new advice area, Rebbeca Cawthorne from Childnet recommends the Parent Portal Parent at https://www.facebook.com/safety/parents/tips and there is https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ ( great for all age groups, this is a great webiste reallu child friendly with lots of tips to stay online)
The portal is designed to help parents make the most out of their Facebook account, whilst also giving tips and information on how to keep themselves and their children safe online. I know Facebook are one the sites children are most likely to online.
I really quite like it and it has some good advice that I thought would be good to share. With all advice, do trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to talk or ask your child if something does not feel right or you notice a change in their behaviour.
Let your child know that the rules that apply online are the same as the ones that apply offline.
If it’s not something you want others to do to you, don’t do it to others. Just as you might tell your child to look both ways before crossing the road or to wear a helmet while riding their bike, teach them to think before they share online.
The adage that children will “do as you do, not as you say” is just as true online as it is offline. If you set time restrictions on when your child can use social media or be online (e.g. no texting after 10 pm), follow the same rules.
Engage early.
Data suggests that parents should engage online with their children as soon as they are on social media. Consider sending a friend request to them when they join Facebook. It is worth noting that just as you lay the foundation for dialogue and conversation offline with your children early, you also should lay that foundation early online. It gets harder to do this the longer you wait. Even before they are on social media, talk to them about technology in general. It can help lay the groundwork for future conversations.
Identify and seize key moments.
For example, your child getting their first mobile phone is a good time to set ground rules. Your child turning 13 years old and being old enough to join Facebook and other social media is a good time to talk about safe sharing. Your child getting their driving license is a good time to discuss the importance of not texting and driving.
Trust yourself.
Typically, you can adopt the same parenting style for your child’s online activities as you use for their offline activities. If you find that your child responds best to a negotiated agreement, create a contract that you can both sign. Or maybe your child just needs to know the basic rules.
Ask your children to teach you.
Not on Facebook? Or maybe you’re interested in trying a streaming music service? If your children are already familiar with these apps and sites, they can be an excellent resource. The conversation can also serve as an opportunity to talk about issues of safety, privacy, and security. For example, you can ask them questions about privacy settings when you’re setting up your own Facebook account. And, as most parents know all too well, it is likely that your child will appreciate the opportunity to teach you.
I hope the Facebook advice is helpful and think about how you can support the day. If you have any other tips or links please share below and you can find out more at http://www.childnet.com/
Be the parent you want to be, so one action today to help your child feel safe, loved and secured.
With love Catherine
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