Cyber Safety
Cyber-bullying
Online dangers
Computer sex-offenders can be a real danger and Generally 13-15 year olds are more at risk. Often those who have been interacted with inappropriately don’t tell their parents about it, because they are worried about getting the internet cut off; they’re embarrassed because they’ve been deceived.
Statistics and Facts
(From Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Greg Gebhart - NetAlert)
- 92% of kids on Internet have MSN. Taking this access away creates family conflict and it is generally better to look at safe/restricted usage.
- Photos put on Internet stay there ‘forever’. Even if only posted for a few minutes, before being removed, this is ample time for 1000s of other people to download.
- Kids putting photos of friends/other kids on the internet of a sexual nature (even of themselves) – can be charged with child pornography.
What to do
If being cyber-bullied: Tell someone and collect evidence – i.e. print off screen (with date and time); if via mobile keep text or photocopy (with date/time).
Tips for Parents
(From Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Greg Gebhart - NetAlert)
- Never allow a computer in your child’s bedroom – instead have it in a public place
- Talk with your children regularly about where they are going online
- Negotiate an online contract
- Help your child to feel comfortable coming to you with anything (getting angry and taking computer access away from kids may mean they won’t come to you next time)
- Use a filter
- Monitor & supervise
- Know your children's passwords
Tips for Kids
- Do not use your surname (i.e. on MSN etc)
- Do not use your phone number or address
- No flirtatious pictures or nick-names (this is what predators look for)
- You should know and be able to name every ‘friend’ (i.e. on MSN, Facebook etc). Do not add 'friends of friends’.
Further Information and Support
- A downloadable application or “button” (put out by the government) for addition to any computer is available at: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/online_safety_and_security/cybersafetyhelpbutton_download
Once installed, it enables the user to click on it and link to help and advice on a range of online risks including cyber-bullying, unwanted contact, scams and fraud, and offensive or inappropriate material.
- Free PC protection is available free online at: www1.k9webprotection.com/
- Hotline for Internet safety = 1800 880176 (NetAlert)