CYBERSAFETY

 

ONLINE DANGERS

 

Computer sex-offenders can be a real danger and generally 13 to 15 year olds are more at risk. Often those who have been interacted with inappropriately, don’t tell their parents about it, because they are worried about getting the internet cut off; they’re embarrassed because they’ve been deceived.

 

Statistics and Facts

(From Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Greg Gebhart - NetAlert)

 

• 92% of kids on Internet have MSN. Taking this access away creates family conflict and it is generally better to look at safe/restricted usage.

 

• Photos put on Internet stay there ‘forever’, as they are 'cached'. Even if only posted for a few minutes, before being removed, this is ample time for thousands of other people to download.

 

• Kids that put photos of friends/other kids on the internet of a sexual nature (even of themselves) – can be charged with child pornography.

 

WHAT TO DO

 

If being cyber-bullied: Tell someone and collect evidence – i.e. print off screen (with date and time); if via mobile keep text or photocopy (with date/time).

 

TIPS FOR PARENTS

(From Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Greg Gebhart - NetAlert)

 

• Never allow a computer in your child’s bedroom – instead have it in a public place

 

• Talk with your children regularly about where they are going online

 

• Negotiate an online contract

 

• Help your child to feel comfortable coming to you with anything (getting angry and taking computer access away from kids may mean they won’t come to you next time)

 

• Use a filter

 

• Monitor & supervise

 

• Know your children's passwords

 

 

TIPS FOR TEENS

 

• Do not use your surname (i.e. on Messenger etc)

 

• Do not use your phone number or address

 

• No flirtatious pictures or nick-names (this is what predators look for)

 

• You should know and be able to name every ‘friend’ (i.e. on Messenger, Facebook etc). Do not add 'friends of friends’.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

 

• A downloadable application or “button” (put out by the government) for addition to any computer is available at: http://www.communications.gov.au/online_safety_and_security/cybersafetyhelpbutton_download1

 

• Once installed, it enables the user to click on it and link to help and advice on a range of online risks including cyber-bullying, unwanted contact, scams and fraud, and offensive or inappropriate material.

 

• Free PC and Mac protection is available free online at:   www1.k9webprotection.com; https://selfcontrolapp.com/

 

 

• Hotline for Internet safety = 1800 880176 (NetAlert)

 

• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) is the premier body for cyber safety infomation about laws, security and support. Their CYBERSMART  initiative is a national cybersafety and cybersecurity education program, as part of the Australian Government's commitment to cybersafety. The program is specifically designed to meet the needs of its target audiences of children, young people, parents, teachers and library staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

eSafety Commission

 

The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner protects Australian children when they experience cyberbullying by administering a complaints scheme and deals with complaints about prohibited online content. It supports families, children and adolescents up to the age of 18.

 

Web counselling lets you connect one-on-one, real time, with a Kids Helpline counsellor, over the web.

Because a lot of young people use web counselling, there is often a wait time before a counsellor is available.

 

If you need to talk to someone straight away, phone Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 and speak with a counsellor in person.

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Web counselling is open 7 days a week

 

CLICK ON THE CYBERSMART BUTTON BELOW TO ACCESS KIDS HELPLINE WEB COUNSELLING