Whilst many Internet Service Providers offer filtering systems to help you safeguard your child at home, it remains surprisingly easy for children to access inappropriate material including unsuitable texts, images and movies. Parents/guardians are advised to set the security levels within Internet Browsers with this in mind.
Locating the device to access the Internet in a family area will enable you to supervise children as they use the Internet. However, don’t deny your child the opportunity to learn from the wide variety of material and games available on the Internet. Instead, set some simple rules for keeping them safe and make sure they understand the importance of these rules.
Simple, suggested rules for keeping your child safe:
Ask your permission before they use the Internet
Only use websites you have chosen together or a child friendly search engine
Only email people they know (perhaps an address book would be useful)
Ask permission before opening an email sent by someone they don’t know
Do not use Internet chat rooms
Do not use their real name when using games on the Internet (perhaps encourage them to create a suitable nick name)
Never give out a home address or personal contact details
Never tell someone where they go to school
Never send an image of themselves, their home or school
Never arrange to meet someone they have ‘met’ on the Internet
Only use a webcam with people they know
Ask them to tell you immediately if they see anything they are unhappy with
Go through the rules with your child and ensure they understand what you suggest. It is also a good idea to regularly check the Internet sites your child is visiting e.g. by clicking on History and Favourites. Please reassure your child that you want to keep them safe rather than take Internet access away from them.
Helpful Links:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22751322475&gbraid=0AAAAAD1QhMrpdFkjQTedh_a5iP93ks6Jv&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzMGE9tjNjgMV7pVQBh1JWiSFEAAYAyAAEgKI6_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds