Press Releases16 Dec 15

Internet Safety Help for Parents as Christmas Approaches

From the Church and Society Commission of the Church of Ireland:

As Christmas fast approaches, many families will be anticipating the joy of opening presents together on Christmas Day. For younger family members, this will undoubtedly include the unveiling of long anticipated gifts – a source of great excitement when they are finally revealed.

Among these gifts will no doubt be internet–ready devices: conventional computers and laptops, tablets, smartphones, MP3 players, smart watches, smart TVs and games systems. All of these open the door to endless hours of entertainment, education and communication. Indeed, these devices will help many families and friends to keep in touch over the Christmas period.

With such devices, which have undeniable value, also comes a challenge for parents and carers. There are factors relating to internet use among young people which can present particular risks. Cyber–bullying, easy access to inappropriate content, identity theft and so–called ‘grooming’ are all matters which naturally worry parents. To avoid them completely might seem like trying to hold back an unassailable tide. That being the case, what options do parents have? Here are a few ideas:

1. Talk to your children about internet safety

Making sure that your child knows that they have your support, and your trust, can be important in developing a healthy approach to sensitive matters – of which internet safety can be one. They may be able to help you to understand the broad range of social media and other channels available to them.

A healthy conversation early on may also mean that they are more likely to come to you if there is a problem. Furthermore, trying to establish a culture of quality time spent together may mean that they are less likely to withdraw to their devices. It may be worth beginning the conversation by asking the young person if they know of any risks and what they can do to protect themselves. All these conversations will, of course, be age and child–appropriate.

2. Educate yourself

Take the time to learn a little about internet safety. Many churches and other organisations provide training for parents on these matters. The NSPCC, ISPCC and other bodies (including some police forces) have sections on their websites dedicated to internet safety. Some resources include advice to guard against concerns like identity theft, which may not impact children and young people as directly.

3. Make use of resources

Most manufacturers of devices will have advice on their websites about internet safety for parents. A web search for the name of the product and ‘online safety’ will often yield quick results. Furthermore, internet service providers usually provide parental control settings which can be accessed online or by phone.

4. Talk to other parents

These are not challenges unique to your household. Other parents, as well as youth leaders and teachers, will be aware of the opportunities and challenges that easy internet access provides. So why not talk to them? Sharing any concerns you have might yield useful advice and snippets of wisdom from others.

Especially for parents who are not particularly internet–aware themselves, the idea of supporting your child’s safe web use might seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. However, pretending that there are no risks will not help. The internet can be looked upon as a wonderful world, wide open for opportunities to learn yet it also needs to be safely navigated like most things in life. Taking a little time to look into the issue, and sharing concerns with your children, can be a source of support for them as well as a source of peace of mind for you.