In today’s digital world, the internet may be an important part of your child’s daily life. From socialising with friends to learning and playing, online spaces offer countless opportunities. However, with these opportunities come risks, especially when it comes to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. As parents, it’s essential to be proactive in ensuring that your child’s online experiences are positive, safe, and educational.
Why is Online Safety Important?
In recent times, we’ve received reports of cyberbullying occurring after school hours on apps like Messenger. These apps allow children to chat, share pictures and videos, and connect with friends, but they can also expose them to harmful interactions if not monitored closely.
The good news is that you can help protect your child from these dangers by staying engaged in their online world. This doesn’t mean you need to be on their devices all the time, but regular check-ins and open conversations are vital.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Child Safe?
- Set Clear Guidelines and Expectations:
Establish rules for your child’s online behaviour. Discuss which apps and websites are acceptable and ensure that your child knows never to share personal information online. Explain that online behaviour should mirror their real-world behaviour—respectful and kind. - Talk Openly About Online Experiences:
Make it a habit to check in with your child regularly about their online interactions. Ask about the apps they’re using, who they’re talking to, and what they’re seeing. Encourage them to speak up if they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable. - Check Their Devices Regularly:
Parents should regularly check the apps, social media accounts, and messaging services their children are using. Familiarise yourself with how each app works, so you know how to monitor and set privacy settings effectively. Keep devices in common areas of the house to encourage more open and shared use. - Use Parental Controls and Privacy Settings:
Most devices and apps offer privacy settings that allow you to restrict what your child can see or who they can interact with. Take advantage of these settings to protect your child from inappropriate content and interactions. - Be Aware of Cyberbullying:
Keep an eye out for signs of bullying, such as a child withdrawing from social interactions, feeling anxious, or showing sudden changes in mood. Cyberbullying can occur 24/7, but you can help by teaching your child how to block or report users who make them feel unsafe. - Encourage Safe Use of Social Media:
Remind your child not to share personal information such as their address, or phone number on public profiles. Social media apps often have age restrictions for a reason—ensure your child is old enough to use them and understands the risks involved.
Helpful Resources for Australian Parents
There are several organisations and websites in Australia that offer valuable tools, advice, and support for parents wanting to keep their children safe online. Here are some of the top resources:
- The Australian eSafety Commissioner offers comprehensive guidance on cyberbullying, including steps to take if your child is being bullied online. They provide a dedicated page for reporting cyberbullying incidents and offer advice on supporting your child through such experiences. esafety.gov.au
- Commissioner for Children and Young People WA this office provides resources tailored for children and young people on topics like cyberbullying, online gaming, privacy, and protecting personal information. Their website includes activities and advice designed to help children navigate online spaces safely. ccyp.wa.gov.au
- Kids Helpline for immediate support, Kids Helpline offers a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5–25. They can provide advice and support for both children and parents dealing with bullying. Cyberbullying | How to Protect Yourself & Get Support | Kids Helpline
- eheadspace provides free online and phone support and counselling to young people aged 12–25, their families, and friends. They offer assistance with mental health and wellbeing, including issues related to bullying. bullyingnoway.gov.au
- Healthdirect offers information on cyberbullying and provides contact details for support services, including Kids Helpline and the eSafety Commissioner. healthdirect.gov.au
- Department of Education WA – Cyber Safety The Department of Education WA provides information on cyber safety, including how to report cyberbullying, image-based abuse, or illegal and harmful content. education.wa.edu.au
- Paul Litherland: A digital safety expert, Paul Litherland offers valuable advice on how to navigate online safety for children. He emphasises the importance of building digital literacy, setting clear boundaries, and engaging in ongoing conversations with your child about their online experiences. Litherland has conducted parent and student sessions, at Bibra Lake, where he provided practical tips and guidance for protecting children online. For more information and resources, visit his website Surfing the Net Safe.
- Y Safety: An organisation focused on empowering young people to make safe, responsible decisions online. Y Safety offers training, workshops, and resources for both parents and children on topics like cyberbullying, privacy, and internet safety. They have also conducted important information sessions at Bibra Lake, providing parents and students with strategies to stay safe in the digital world. Learn more about their services and access resources at Y Safety.
How to Report Online Safety Issues
If your child is experiencing cyberbullying or if you are concerned about their online safety, you can report incidents to the eSafety Commissioner. They have tools to help both children and parents navigate the process of reporting harmful online content. Cyberbullying | eSafety Commissioner
A Parent’s Role in Online Safety
Ultimately, keeping your child safe online requires ongoing involvement, communication, and vigilance. Be proactive, stay informed, and support your child in making smart, responsible choices while navigating the digital world. By working together, we can ensure that the internet remains a positive, safe space for children to learn, explore, and grow.