The internet can be a wonderous learning and interactive playground for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games. However, like all environments online access also comes with its risks such as, inappropriate content, cyberbullying and online predators. Although blocking objectional material may be an effective way to teach your kids safe and responsible behaviour online, it is practically impossible to censor every piece of information your child comes across when venturing online. A perhaps more efficient way of safeguarding your family is to promote and encourage some family expectations around usage. Some helpful ideas include:

1. Never post or trade personal pictures.
2. Never reveal personal information such as addresses, phone numbers or school name.
3. Use only screen names and do not share passwords (other than with parents).
4. Never respond to a threatening email, message, post or text.
5. Always tell a parent or other trusted adult about any communication or conversation that they felt was scary or hurtful.
6. Follow the family rules (and those set by your internet service provider).
7. Keep devices in a common area where you can watch and monitor its use – not in individual bedrooms.
8. Bookmark your child’s favourite sites for easy access.
9. Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
10. Find out if any online protection is offered by your child’s school / friends’ homes or any place where kids could use a computer without your supervision.
11. Spend time online together to teach your child appropriate online behaviour.

For more information:

Bravehearts introduces a new podcast for parents. Their first instalment is a four-part series about internet safety. Your hosts Carol Ronken and Mathew Sinclair interview some of Australia’s most highly esteemed thought leaders in internet safety to provide parents with the most up to date and useful information. You can access it here: The Parent's Podcast by Bravehearts • A podcast on Anchor

Still hungry for more resources? Why not pop by the E-Safety commission here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Luke Holmes

College Counsellor