New campaign to help keep children safe online
The Scottish Government’s Parent Club launched a new campaign on Tuesday as research reveals that more than one in 10 (12 per cent) of parents don’t set any parental controls on their child’s online devices.
Research shows that by the age of 12, 40 per cent of children have engaged in risky behaviours online. This includes playing with people they had never met face-toface and doing something that they know their parents would not want them to do.
Minister for children and young people, Clare Haughey MSP said: ‘There are many amazing things we can do online. However, it is really important that when you are online, you stay safe.
‘This year, Safer Internet Day will explore respect and relationships online. This is especially important in present times when so many of us are spending more time using technology for learning and socialising.
‘The campaign aims to inform parents about the risks of online harm and how to protect their children online. This goes live on 8 February alongside Safer Internet Day across a range of radio, TV and digital channels – directly reaching hundreds of thousands of Scots. I encourage everyone in Scotland to get involved and play their part in making the internet a safer place.’
Parents and carers can help children to stay safe when online by applying the same skills and instincts they have in the physical world.
Jess McBeath, online safety consultant, explains: ‘It is important that we help children to stay safe online from things like exposure to inappropriate or untrustworthy content, oversharing personal information, grooming, unauthorised spending and online bullying.
‘Talking with children regularly about what they’re doing and sharing online, using parental support tools, keeping data and devices secure, and finding ways to use technology as a family that are fun, are some simple ways to help keep them safe.’
For easy ways to help protect your child online and practical advice to help you feel more confident in knowing how to keep your children safe online, visit parentclub.scot.
View the advert at https://youtu.be/5KB5wnHEH-8.