Parents are clearly worried about their children’s online activities. They are worried about the content they get access to and the people they befriend and chat with on social media sites such as Facebook.
In a nationwide survey conducted by legal information website FindLaw.com, it was revealed that 67 percent of 627 parents are extremely worried (10%), very worried (18%) or somewhat worried (39%) about their children’s safety online. About 20% said that they are not very worried while 14% are not worried at all. The study was done with a small sampling but FindLaw.com said that it was demographically representative.
Most parents are taking steps to restrict their children’s use of the Internet. Steps taken vary, including: monitoring which sites they visit (35%); using site-blocking software (21%); restricting their access to computers (19%); restricting the use of social networks (18%); reading their emails or social posts (17%); and not allowing any Internet use (8%).
I recently attended a Professional Development session on cyber culture. The survey conducted by AISV interviewed thousands of kids from Grade 4 to Year 8 and collected information about their internet habits. Some of the interesting findings included:
- 1 in 5 year 5/6′s don’t consult parents about their internet activity.
- 15% of year 5′s and 20% of year 6′s have internet access in their bedrooms.
- Half the respondents claim they don’t have parent imposed internet rules.
- 30% of respondents know ways in which to circumvent parental controls such as bypassing net filters and minimising pages when parents approach.
- 40% of respondents name their school or city on social media sites such as Facebook.
- 84% use chat rooms on a daily basis.
- Approx. 3/4 don’t use privacy function on their social media pages.
I have 2 tips for parents to help keep their children safe.
1. Don’t allow them to have a computer (or move the i-Pad or notebook) in their bedroom. Instead keep the computer in the living room or another room that is open to you and other adults.
2. Please watch the clip below with your children. It is a brilliant clip about cybersafety. I have posted it before and will continue to do so when discussing this issue.
Topical Teaching 