DON’T LEAVE KIDS TO OWN DEVICES...
Potential dangers involving electronic gadgets on rise
in children’s online lives is really important. We must keep a close eye on what they are doing online.
Very young children should never access the internet alone – it should always be under the watchful eye of a parent or caregiver.
Use common sense and make analogies with the offline world. Ask children questions such as: ‘What would you do if a stranger approached you in the park and asked you for a picture?’
Usually, when you pose these kinds of questions, children laugh or are horrified at the very thought, because they’re taught in school and at home about the importance of being wary of strangers.
However, the threat of inappropriate content and contact increases infinitely online.
news@irishmirror.ie
Keep devices in view note of their passcode and check their devices whenever you need to.
SUPPORT: Let them know that they can always come to you if they are ever bothered, scared or upset about anything they’ve come across online. Reassure them that it’s not about punishing them or withdrawing their device if they’ve seen something upsetting, it’s always about protecting them.
TECHNICAL TOOLS: Most smart devices and online platforms have built-in controls that allow you to limit time, restrict access to certain content, and switch off functions like location, direct messaging, chat rooms or shopping. Use technical restrictions (such as parental controls and privacy settings) but don’t rely on them alone, especially when expectations of privacy increase.
BUILD A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT: Build a shared community of parents and Caregivers, teachers and experts. It is much easier to say ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ to your child if you know that others are doing the same.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS: There are many helpful websites available for parents like Common Sense Media, Webwise or PEGI. Cybersafekids (www.cybersafekids. ie) also has many online safety resources including a digital parenting guide and a free, selfpaced e-learning course.