FINAL TSTO Lesa Dec 14.pdf - Flipbook - Page 56
Here are some things to do:
Keep your computer in a public place so that you can see at
a glance what they are looking at.
Get your own social media accounts. Let your children teach
you how to set it up, so that you can appreciate what they
are working with. (And remember, don’t write embarrassing
things about your own children, their friends or your family.)
You don’t have to use it all the time, but it might alert you to
any safety issues you need to know.
Make sure you understand the laws that apply to your
children, and know where to find advice when you need it.
For a plain English explanation of laws that apply to children
and young people, go to http://www.lawstuff.org.au/.
Think about how you can best support your child if they
are bullied, or if a picture is taken or shared without their
consent. They may fear being shamed or blamed for their
online mistakes if they tell you about them.
The best way to help
your kids navigate the
online world is to stay
involved.
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To help young people understand the public nature of some
of their postings, tell them that anything they put online could
either end up on your fridge door, or on the noticeboard in
the school assembly hall. That includes personal information
like an address and phone number.
Ensure your children have privacy settings activated on their
social networking sites (like Facebook).
Respect your children’s privacy, too – don’t intrude on
their social networking sites, or comment on their online
conversations.
You do not want your child to be the one others are
complaining about. Make sure they understand that
cruel jokes about someone in their class become public
comments.
If they trip over something that troubles them on the web, like
pornography, try to remain calm, if and when they tell you. If
you explode and ban all access to the computer, they won’t
tell you next time.
Make sure they understand that sending nude photos of
themselves or of someone else is likely to be illegal.
There are parent-friendly sources of information about how
to safely socialise on the net. Go to cybersmart.gov.au
There is also the cybersafety contact centre offering callers
information and advice about Internet safety issues and
concerns. Telephone 1800 880 176.18
