Access

Downloading

Downloading can start to be a risk for older children who are interested in downloading media files such as music, TV shows, movies and ring tones.

The following tips can be used to help you to guide your child:

• Talk with your child about the potential risks of using unsafe websites to download and share files, including the risk of infecting the home computer with viruses, the potential costs and the legalities of breaching copyright.
• If you are comfortable with your child using download sites that charge for use you might consider visiting your preferred websites with them and checking the fees. It may be useful to establish rules requiring your child to seek your permission before they download files, to prevent unexpected costs. Establishing a weekly family budget for media downloads can help.
• If your child uses a download site that charges fees check that the website has secure online payment facilities. Look for a https:// in the address field and a locked padlock symbol at the bottom of the screen. The https:// and padlock indicate that financial data is being encrypted and protected from unauthorised access.
• Talk to your child about the download limit of your internet contract. What is the limit and what is the cost if it is exceeded? What sort of usage occurs with each download, and how you can check current usage with your child?
• Consider using filters, labels and safe zones to help manage your child’s online access.
• Install and update anti-virus and other e-security software to restrict unauthorised access to data on the home computer and protect that data from corruption. Ensure that security features including a firewall are turned on, set to automatic scan and updated regularly to protect against the latest risks.

Inappropriate content

Older children may come across offensive online content by accident or they may seek it out with encouragement from peers.

The following tips can help older children to manage online content.

• At this age children’s internet use should still be closely monitored. To help with this try to keep the computer in a shared or visible place in the home.
• Be aware of how your child uses the internet and explore it with them. Explore their favourite sites and help them bookmark a list of ‘Favourites’. Discuss the type of content that is and isn’t okay online including violent or rude content. This will depend on your family standards.
• Teach your child that there are ways they can deal with disturbing material—they should not respond if they receive something inappropriate, and they should tell a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable or worried.
• Reassure your child that you will not deny them access to the internet if they report feeling uncomfortable or unsafe when online. This is a very real concern for children that may stop them from communicating with you openly.
• Teach your child how to close web pages that they don’t like or to turn off the monitor and call a trusted adult.
• If your child is exposed to inappropriate content and appears distressed talk with them about it. If necessary seek professional support, including through the Cybersmart Online Helpline at www.esafety.gov.au. The Cybersmart Online Helpline provides free, confidential online counselling for children and young people.
• Consider using filters, labels and safe zones to help manage your child’s online access.
• Report content that you think may be prohibited to the ACMA’s Online Hotline at www.acma.gov.au.

Time and Supervision

Many older children spend time on the internet socialising, studying and for entertainment.

There is no guideline for the ‘right’ amount of time for children to spend online, however if their online behaviour appears to impact negatively on their behaviour or wellbeing, or that of the family, it may be time to discuss expectations, and establish online time limits.

To following tips can help your child manage time spent online and maintain a healthy balance.

• Look for indicators that your child may be spending too much time online, such as declining interest in other activities, talking constantly about an online game or activity, a decline in grades or irritability when they are away from an online game. You may also suspect they are getting up after bed time to play a game.
• Children may seem quite tired during the day or skip meals to avoid leaving the computer.
• You may like to check with your child’s school to identify whether they are experiencing issues with timeliness or quality of work, and tiredness.
• Consider establishing rules about when children can play games or use the internet and how long they can play each day. You might consider agreeing with your child a set balance of online activities and offline activities such as outside play, homework and housework. A two week trial of new rules might be useful to establish whether they seem to provide a good balance for your child and your family.
• Establishing rules with children when they are young can help with the management of their online activities as they get older.
• Try to locate the computer or nominate an 'internet zone' in a shared or visible place within your home so you are aware of how much time your child spends online.
• If you have concerns about your child’s online behaviour explore your concerns with them. If necessary seek professional support, including support through the Cybersmart Online Helpline. The Cybersmart Online Helpline provides free, confidential online counselling for children and young people.