Safer Internet Day 2012: Actions for Families
One of the most important things that families can do to understand the online environment is talk to each other about how they interact online.
Watch video: How Cybersmart are you? Help each other understand your online world.
Safer Internet day encourages families to learn and connect together. Take positive actions and teach each other about staying safe online.
Talk about online safety
“You don’t know what you don’t know.”
Kids and teens have never known a world without the internet, while parents and grandparents are often struggling to keep pace with ever changing technologies.
One of the most important things that families can do to understand the online environment is talk to each other about how they interact online.
Top 5 talking points for parents and grandparents
- What are the sites that you use the most?
- Do you use social networking sites?
- Do you use the privacy settings—and how?
- Are you friends online with people that you don’t know in the real world?
- What would you do if one of your online friends wanted to meet in person?
Educate yourself about the online world
Knowledge is power! Understanding your digital environment is the first step to ensuring a safe and positive online experience.
All Cybersmart resources are available free of charge and can be downloaded, viewed online, or ordered via the Cybersmart order form or over the phone on 1800 880 176.
Ages 5-8 - Hectors World - Using the internet can be fun. Being cybersmart can sometimes be hard! Hector and his friends show you how to use your computer, the internet and phone safely.
Ages 7-13 - CyberQuoll - Watch the Quoll cousins as they experience the pitfalls and triumphs of being cybersmart on the internet. In 6 fun cartoon adventures, they give helpful hints and tips for staying safe.
Ages 14+ - Tagged - When a group of high-school friends post a rumour about a rival it sparks a chain reaction that leaves no one untouched. Cyberbullying, sexting, filmed fights and police action ensue — will these friends avoid being tagged forever?
Grandparents – It’s time to learn a new skill!
The internet is becoming a more familiar entity for grandparents, but there are still plenty of grandmas and granddads who do not really understand the concept or the content of the World Wide Web. While some grandparents may be confused by YouTube, Facebook or a meme, a six-year-old might know how to navigate the net with speed and precision.
Therefore, it is important for grandparents to have some familiarity with internet safety so that they can teach good online behaviour and know how to monitor their grandchildren so as to ensure their online protection.
It’s not as scary as you might think! The same principles apply online as they do in reality; don’t talk to strangers, be kind and protect your personal information.
Top 5 online safety tips for parents and grandparents
- Check out www.cybersmart.gov.au
- Make digital issues part of everyday conversation
- Encourage your children to use the privacy settings, and to think carefully before accepting online friends
- Don’t be afraid to try technologies and sites for yourself
- Communicate with other parents and teachers
Be your child’s safety net
As a parent or grandparent, you can play an important role in helping your children have safe and positive experiences online. By becoming aware of how children and young people use the internet, some of the risks they face and the strategies available to manage these risks, you can help guide your children to enjoy the best of the online world. For more information and to increase your knowledge, choose a topic below:
Resources for families