The Internet provides unprecedented opportunities for children to communicate, create, learn and develop new skills. Of course we want our children to benefit from all that technology can offer, but this must be accomplished without putting themselves or others at risk. As parents, we also need to be aware of dark side of the internet which can include loss of privacy, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and at the extreme end of the scale, online grooming and extortion.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to safeguarding your children? Here are 15 steps that will go a long way towards stronger, smarter and safer kids online. Read more from Independent.ie for the full article.
1 Start the Conversation Now
2 Do your Research
3 Set Clear Boundaries
4 Supervise your Child's Online Activity
5 Look out for Signs of Cyberbullying
6 Watch out for Signs that they are Cyberbullying
7 Use Privacy and Safety Settings on Apps and Games
8 Know who has Access to Your Child
9 Don't Share Location unnecessarily
10 Look into Parental Controls on Devices
11 Explore App Restrictions
12 Where Possible, Create Device Free Zones and Times
13 Model the Behaviour Yourself
14 Let them know you are Always There for Them
15 Don't Panic
* Alex Cooney and Cliona Curley are founders of cybersafe Ireland. For more advice and tips please visit cybersafeireland.org