PARENTS, THE INTERNET NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION

We live in a digitally-connected world and children need to know how to navigate through it safely.

Unfortunately, what children don't always understand is how public and accessible the information they place online really is.

Just as you wouldn't send your children out into the real world without teaching them safety guidelines, nor should you send your children out into the virtual world without protection and training.

And, nothing can take the place of an informed and involved parent when it comes to safeguarding a child on the internet.

Parents, the internet needs your attention.

1) Take personal responsibility for ensuring your child's safety. Define with your family what is acceptable internet use and what is not.

2) Educate yourself in the key issues surrounding internet use.

Further your own knowledge about the internet by attending computer or internet classes and information sessions at your child's school

Read the 'digital technology' section of newspapers and magazines

Learn how to use the tools your children use on the internet like chatrooms, online games, instant messaging (IM), email and message boards.

Participate with your children on the internet. Learn the internet habits of your children and their friends.

Read online resources to find out about the danger areas for children using the internet.

3) Set parameters and agree to ground rules

The rules should include and define:

Keeping all personal information private. Define personal information (name, address, phone number, email address, school name, parents' names, credit card information and so on.)

Posting digital images online.

Using nondescript, non provocative screen names and secure passwords.

Opening anything from people they don't know or trust. If you are accepting files from someone you do not know, or even from a friend, be aware that files can carry a virus that may corrupt or delete data from your computer.

What is acceptable when it comes to talking with strangers online. Make sure your child knows that people on the Internet aren't always who they say they are. Be clear that your children should never agree to meet someone in person whom they met online without your permission or without another adult present.

How long your children can spend online each day.

Which internet sites they can and cannot visit.

What is acceptable use of downloading and file sharing. File sharing is very popular with teenagers and is accomplished through easily obtainable programmes that allow users to connect directly to other computers and copy (share) music files, movies, and other programs or files. This use of the Internet is a security risk because the files can be infected, and also may violate copyright protection which is a criminal offence.

4) Monitor your children's internet activity

Review histories or logs on your children's computers to see where they have been.

Talk openly and honestly with your children and ask them about their internet activities.

Encourage them to talk to you about any problems they encounter and, if they've made a mistake, be supportive rather than judgemental and help them deal with the issue.

5) Learn about technology tools like filtering software or other safe-guarding programmes and options.

Be aware that unmonitored computers can give your child access to material that is entirely inappropriate.

Revisit your settings every six months to make sure you're current with the technology and the data you're monitoring.

You will also need to keep yourself informed about internet security for your home computers, anti-virus software and the basics of firewalls. It's also useful to know something about the legal aspects of the Internet too - things like basic copyright law and rules on privacy. Make sure your children understand what 'libel' is.

Tell your children that posting objectionable or lewd comments on their Facebook sites may have long-term consequences, like jeopardising their future employment prospects. Many employers Google candidates' names before a job interview to find out about their online history.