Inappropriate Material

Stu McGregor - "Some estimates say 35 per cent of internet traffic consists of pornographic material alone. Possibly the most significant reason for the Adult Industry's online success is not so much natural human impulse, but unprecedented anonymity. The impulse has always been there; however, until recently anonymity was nearly impossible"

Things you can do-

1. Discuss with your child what to do if they come across inappropriate material.

The top three internet searches are YouTube, Google and Facebook. What do you think the number 4 top search was for kids (under 18)? If you guessed sex, you were right. Unfortunately, when you divide the age group, the number 4 top search for ages 7 and under was… porn!

If you think your kids are not searching for inappropriate material because they are too young, think again! Even if your kids aren’t searching for this, chances are, some of their friends are. If their friends are looking at this, it won’t be too long before your child is exposed to it.

How should you handle this? Talk to your kids as soon as they have the privilege of using a computer. Kids should be aware of what is out there. When kids run across inappropriate material, many of them think you (parents) don’t know what is out there. They may not tell you what they saw because they think you will take away their computer privileges. Get it out in the open! Let them know that the computer gives them access to all kinds of information, good and bad. Tell them you know what is out there and some of it is inappropriate material, like a picture of a naked man or woman. If this happens, they should let you know so you can keep it off your computer.

Explain that we are careful who we let into our home, and we should be careful about what comes into our home through the computer. Let them know that you will be monitoring their computer usage as they learn how to behave online. Primary school children should be monitored closely until they show maturity and responsibility. Parents need to explain why they need to be careful and how to avoid the dangers.

Remember- inappropriate content is only a typo away.

2. Use safe searching in Google- go to the cogwheel in the top right hand corner- go to Search Settings and turn on safe searching. Save.

Tips for Kids

When you’re surfing the web you may come across websites, photos, text or other material that makes you feel uncomfortable or upset. There are some easy ways to handle these situations.

• Tell your parents or another trusted adult if you come across material that upsets you.
• Know how to ‘escape’ from a website if an internet search takes you to an unpleasant or nasty website. Hit control-alt-delete on a PC or Command + Q on an Apple if the site will not allow you to exit.
• You can use the Hector's Safe button download (front page).
• If a website looks suspicious or has a warning page for people under 18 years, leave immediately. Some sites are not meant for kids.
• Check with your parents that your search engine is set to block material that is meant for adults.
• Ask your parents to install internet filter software to block bad sites.
• Ask your parents to help you find safe and fun sites to use and bookmark for later.