5 Tips For Parents Responding To Online Harm
The digital age has added to the responsibilities of good parenting. There is no doubt that the internet has improved the way we live, but it is also unwise to ignore the potential dangers it poses – especially for children.
There are numerous approaches to solving this problem, with some parents going as far as banning their children from going online. But this extreme approach is not always practical as we don’t live in a vacuum and your kids will be exposed to the internet through friends or other family members. There is no way to avoid the online sphere.
A more supportive and healthier approach is to equip children with the emotional tools and skills they need to be safe online.
Get proactive and protect your child from online harm with the following tips:
- Empower your children to:
- Identify online dangers
- Recognise behavioural warning signs in others
- Take steps to secure their privacy online
- Encourage your child to talk about their online experiences
What have they read? What conversations have they had and with whom? What effects have their experiences online had on them?
- Make your children aware of the dangers and your concerns
Talk to them about the different types of bullying to take place and share examples of inappropriate behaviour, like someone asking your daughter for inappropriate photographs or making suggestive comments about her looks.
- Report online harassment
There are dedicated organisations and services in Australia that deal with online victimisation. They include The Office of the eSafety Commissioner, The Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) and the Australian Federal Police’s Online Child Protection Unit.
For the authorities to look into any case, they need evidence or proof of dangerous activity. For example, parents can establish a record of proof by taking screenshots of messages or downloading chat history.
- Change account settings or delete social media profiles
Adjust the settings of all your child’s social media accounts to ensure your child’s privacy and protection. Your child’s emails can be diverted to your email address so you can easily monitor communication.
If you suspect someone is victimising your child, it’s essential to seek professional advice from the police or a forensic psychologist. Do not enter into any kind of confrontation with the offender as this will make matters worse. Contact Psylegal today for more information.
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