STAYING SAFE ONLINE

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.