Tips to help keep your kids safe online during Covid-19

With more of everyday life taking place online, it’s timely for parents and carers to be reminded about how they can support children and young people to socially connect with their peers and gain access to reliable information, while also keeping safe online.

SOME RISKS TO CONSIDER… 

♥Privacy: personal information could be accessed by anyone, anywhere. 

♥Permanency: once something is posted it can stay online for a long time, even when comments or photos are deleted. 

♥Trolling and bullying: people who misuse social websites to cause conflict or harm to an individual or group. 

♥Grooming: people who try to talk with children and young people online in an attempt to have sexual contact. 

♥Advertising and products: be wary of programs and apps that feature advertising or are built around consumer products. 

♥Data usage: Make sure you have the right data plan for your family’s needs.

WHAT YOU CAN DO… 

♥Be informed: try out apps and games before your child uses them. 

♥Model appropriate online behaviour: co-viewing and playing together with your child allows you to model appropriate online etiquette. 

♥Check the age range of apps, games and websites: use reviews and ratings to guide your child’s choices and check to see if the suggested age-range matches your child’s age. 

♥Set parental controls: parental controls are software tools that allow you to monitor and limit what your child sees and does online. 

♥Develop a family tech agreement: a set of rules about how devices, like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles are used in your home, which is written down and agreed to.

USEFUL LINKS - Try these websites for help to you keep on top of your children’s online activity: 

1. Australian Government eSafety Commissioner @ https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

2. Common Sense Media for content reviews @ https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

3. Learn about everyday technology @ https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au

Content Source:  Fact-Sheet_Online-Safety_E.pdf (actforkids.com.au)

Image Source:  How can we educate students on Internet safety? - Panda Security