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Using the internet is great for young people’s
education and development. It opens up exciting new opportunities for learning.
Whatever they’re up to – researching a school project, chatting with friends or
playing a game – your children are likely to spend even more time surfing the
web as they get older. Fortunately there are some simple things you can do to
help them surf safely and feel confident about learning online.
How can I help keep my
child safe online?
In today’s society, technology plays an important part in the lives of most
children and young people. So much so, that not allowing them to use it could
put them at a social disadvantage. But how do you give them the freedom to
explore the online world safely without you peering over their shoulder all the
time? As a parent this is always a tricky line to tread and the following advice
outlines some of the things that might be useful to you to get that balance
right.
Talk to your children about how they use the
internet – after all, you wouldn’t let your child go out without knowing where
they are going or who they’re with. The same applies in the online world. Take
an interest in what they are doing, ask them questions, find out who they’re
talking to online and why they enjoy using the internet so much.
Find the time to look at what parental controls are available on your web
browser and discuss them with your child. Set boundaries without being too heavy
handed and always focus on the positives.
Look at other options available to you to avoid them going onto inappropriate
websites, for example filtering and monitoring software.
Talk to your child's teacher about the school's
‘Acceptable Use Policy’ and find out what sanctions apply if the rules are
broken. If appropriate, you could try to adopt some of these at home.
Make sure your home computer is located somewhere
where the whole family can use it. Bear in mind it should be in a place that’s
quiet enough to let your children study without distraction.
Find out about some of the risks and issues by visiting:
BBC,
Childnet Know IT All for Parents
DirectGov
Parent KnowHow,
ThinkUKnow
You can also educate yourself about how to use
the internet. There are a lot of places to go for help. For example, why not
make use of your local public library? They can tell you about simple but useful
skills like advanced internet searching which will help you find the right
information quickly. You can also enrol on courses or ask your school if they
run parent workshops on how to use technology to support learning.
©
Becta 2008
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