Today is Safer Internet Day (SID) - organised by Insafe in February of each year to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world.
Children need to be aware of the impact that their online activity can have on both themselves and other people, and the digital footprint that they create on the internet. It’s easy to feel anonymous online and it’s important that children are aware of who is able to view, and potentially share, the information that they may have posted.
There are real advantages in maintaining an open dialogue with your child about their internet use,encourage them to talk to you about their time online; for example who they’re talking to, what services they are using, and any issues that they may be experiencing.
Here's some useful tips from the +UK Safer Internet Centre - so 'let's create a better internet together':
• Consider using filtering software to block unwanted content. In addition to filtering, remember that discussion with your child, and involvement in their internet use, are both effective ways to educate them about the internet.
• Encourage your children to ‘think before you post.’ Online actions can impact not only yourself but the lives of others. Content posted privately online can be publicly shared by others, and may remain online forever.
• Familiarise yourself with the privacy settings and reporting features available on popular sites and services.
• If your child is being bullied online, save all available evidence and know where to report the incident, for example to the school, service provider, or the police if the law has been broken.
• Encourage your children to protect their personal information, and create strong passwords for every account.
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