eSafety and AFP want parents to talk to their children about online safety
With children returning to school at the end of January, the Australian Federal Police and eSafety Commissioner are taking the opportunity to promote online safety for children, especially as many children receive their first smartphone or laptop .
“As soon as we give a child a device, we should talk to them about the do’s and don’ts of the online world, while also letting them know that they will be supported if something goes wrong,” the commissioner said. from eSafety, Julie Inman Grant. .
And statistics back up how important it is for parents, caregivers and educators to be vigilant.
According to eSafety, almost half of children surveyed in recent research said they had been exposed to harmful content online, with sexual content especially seen by children between 14 and 17 years old.
At the same time, market research by the Australian Center to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) found that only 3 per cent of parents felt online bullying was something they should be concerned about.
“Back to school is an important and often very busy time for parents and caregivers, but it is important to always be aware of what children are doing online,” says AFP acting deputy commissioner Hilda Sirec.
“Parental and caregiver supervision of young children can be a critical factor in preventing self-produced child exploitation material and online harassment.”
Her advice for caregivers and parents is simple. Use parental control apps to monitor and restrict content on children’s devices, and make sure they are using those devices in the presence of other people. Teach children how to use privacy settings and how to block unwanted people who try to contact or harass them.
“There is no substitute for taking an interest in a child’s online life from a young age,” said Commissioner Grant. “As well as supporting communication, this will help you understand the applications they use and the risks they may face.
“You can find a lot of information and advice at eSafety.gov.au and, of course, report any suspicious interactions to ACCCE as soon as possible.”
