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| What about
schools? Don't they teach children about internet safety? |
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Throughout the UK,
pupils are taught how to use email to communicate and how to
evaluate different sources of information (including websites).
They are also encouraged to appreciate the need for responsible
use of these technologies in order to protect information,
individuals and society. Schools build key safety messages into
these topics, with a view to making sure that pupils understand
the safe behaviours to adopt when online.
It is important for you to let your child know that you are
aware of these safety messages and to reinforce them at home. |
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What about
chat rooms that are supervised? |
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These are called
"moderated" chat rooms and may use a real person or special
technology to block personal details, and keep the conversation
appropriate. |
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They sound
like a good idea |
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They are a step in
the right direction but the technology is not foolproof and if
chat rooms use human supervisors, ask the provider of the chat
rooms how they have been recruited and trained. Even if the
chat room is moderated, the same safety rules apply. |
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It all
makes me feel powerless and worried |
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It shouldn't.
The important thing to remember is that you can help your child
be in control. Children like to feel they have tools to
cope. If you explain the safety messages you are giving
them something useful and valuable. Though the internet is
a new medium, the safety messages will be familiar. Just
as you have taught them about talking to strangers in the real
world, so you can teach them here. |
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| Are chat
rooms the only places where they can make contact with
strangers? |
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No. They can
also meet people online in places called newsgroups,
communities, groups or clubs and by using Instant Messaging.
But the good news is that the same rules apply: NO
personal details; NO meeting up with anyone in person unless
they are accompanied by an adult. |
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| Are there
danger signs I can look for? |
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A child spending
an excessive amount of time online could be a worrying sign.
Only you as a parent or carer can decide what is excessive, but
if it dominates their social activities you may decide it is too
much. Talk of a "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" they have met
online may also be a cause for concern. |
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| What about
pornography? |
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Pornography is
very easy to find on the internet, even by accident.
Encourage your child to tell you if they find something online
that disturbs them. Reassure them that it is not their
fault and that they will not be punished as a result. |
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But teenagers are naturally curious about sex.
They might go looking for this. |
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They
might. Every family is different and only you know
what your teenager is mature enough to see. |
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What about moving the computer? |
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If
possible, it is an excellent idea to keep it in a family
room. |
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Where else
can I get help? |
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Your Internet Service Provider should also be
able to provide safety information and tell you
what services it provides for children and
teenagers. |
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