Online abuse and vulnerability of children is again in the
news. The percentage of children under
the age of thirteen becoming victims of online abuse has risen alarmingly in
the last few years. Parental guidance
settings, apps that block advertisements and virus protection programs can help
reduce the danger, but do not eliminate it.
The need to educate our children about online safety and to revisit this
learning frequently is genuine.
The acronym SMART is a strategy that I have used and revisited with
students.
SAFE Explain it is not safe to
share passwords,
personal details, or photos on
the Internet. Explain that photos and
videos on chat lines can be shared and be seen by others. Have a No Strangers rule so that they are
only communicating with their friends. Encourage your child to tell you if someone is
trying to "chat" with or meet them.
MEETING Repeat that they should never arrange over the internet to meet anyone
even with one of their friends present.
ACCEPTING Advise them not to accept 'friend' invites from strangers or open
emails from unknown senders. Discuss the
dangers of viruses and hacking.
RELIABLE There is a huge amount of information on the net and anyone can put
it on there. So, check more than one
site when looking for information on line.
TELL If they see something upsetting or offensive on the Internet, or
feel threatened then they should tell someone.
Peer on peer abuse has also increased and this can make it more
difficult for your child to speak out about the abuse whilst at the same time
lowering their self-esteem and confidence.
Reassure your child that even if they have not followed the above advice
and as a result are accessing unsuitable or distressing images or messages that
they should still tell you.
If you are concerned, CEOP
(Child Exploitation and Online Protection) offer advice about online abuse as
does the NSPCC 0808 800 5000. Children
and young people can also contact Childline 0800 1111. Call 999 if you think a child is in immediate
danger or 101 if you suspect a crime has been committed.
