• 3 online dangers that could affect your children

3 online dangers that could affect your children

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Using the internet can be an enjoyable, social and sometimes even educational experience for your children. However, there are risks that arise when younger ones surf the web that you need to be aware of. While allowing children freedom and privacy should always be encouraged, parents need to be active and monitor what their child sees and interacts with on the Internet. 

Here are three major hazards to keep an eye out for: 

1. Cyberbullying 

Kids can be cruel and while in the past harassment was usually limited to playgrounds, bullies can now be brought into the home through social media and internet communication. 

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass and cause emotional harm to another individual or group. The Human Rights Commission (HRC) emphasised that online forums often elevated the damage as a large number of people can view or even start taking part, the aggressor has a lot of anonymity and can use an alias or fake name, and the content, once posted, can be hard to remove permanently.1

In Australia, many states have re-evaluated laws to extend to online platforms and the maximum penalty for using technology to harass someone is three years' prison according to Legal Aid.2

While it has become easier to track down and prosecute online bullies, it is wise to take preventative action to avoid potential distress for your child. The HRC recommends that parents encourage their children to take the following actions:

  • Move away from the computer/device when upset or angry and calm down before going back online
  • Tell someone immediately when they receive an unpleasant message
  • Only share personal information (full name, age, contact details) to people you know and trust in the outside world.1

Parents can help by setting up safety and privacy settings, showing children how to report harassment and being supportive when approached with bullying concerns.

2. Inappropriate content 

While most parents are vigilant when it come to R-rated media, content your child sees online can be harder to control. Inappropriate content is not just limited to explicit {1} or {2} material but it can also extend to unhealthy, antisocial or other objectionable material that may poorly influence or even distress your child. 

One of the most effective ways to minimise the amount of objectionable material a child sees online is to set up a filter system to monitor and control content. There are a number of parental control systems out there and the Office of Children's eSafety Commissioner recommends looking a programme that fills these requirements:

  • Easy to use
  • Frequently updated
  • Offers reports and feedback on websites your child has visited
  • Can be used remotely3

With a little research, you can find a programme that will be effective in blocking unpleasant sites and material, as new ones are constantly emerging. 

3. Internet predators 

Perhaps the most daunting danger on this list, offenders are able to groom children online into trusting them before manipulating them into sending pictures or committing other explicit activities.

According to Internet Safety 101, internet predators work to gain the trust of your child by relating and sympathising with them, and will continue this over a long period of time until a relationship is developed.4 Warning signs that appear in these situations include secretive behaviour, obsessiveness around being online, withdrawal from family and friends and packages and gifts from unknown senders.

Communication is key in preventing these incidents from going too far. Parents should try and avoid being over-emotional and try instead to ask non-threatening questions about what children are doing online. Keep them aware that sharing personal information is never a good idea but also ensure they can come to you if they make a mistake and find themselves in a tricky situation.

To ensure your child avoids contact with these unsavoury people, block untrustworthy and adult only sites, discourage your teenagers from sharing explicit personal material and keep the computer in a family area to discreetly monitor activity and be there to help answer any questions or concerns. 

If you are concerned about your child's information online, consider signing up for Identity Watch. Identity Watch monitors for personal information on sites where it is known to be illegally traded. If your or your child's information is found you'll be alerted and provided with some suggested actions.