There are so many different connected devices (laptops, tablets, smart watches and phones) available for kids. I think most parents do not want to be too draconian and authoritarian, but there are some pretty challenging things out there that kids of all ages can encounter when let loose in the online world.
While schools make online safety part of their curriculum, schools normally also have a tight layer of control on what is accessed on networks within the school environment. However, the baton gets passed to parents to manage what content is available at home.
Most platforms and devices have settings and mechanisms that help parents keep an eye on things, parents can choose the level of control they would like to have over what their kids have access to, and set time limits on internet connectivity.
A large part of working through online issues is having open discussions, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start and how to navigate through technology and ever emerging social media platforms.
Cyberbullying, understanding the positives and negatives of all forms of social media and online communication, what is means to leave a digital footprint and sharing pictures and views online, and addiction to different types of content – these are all real issues affecting many young Australians.
Fortunately, there are heaps of websites and resources available to help parents with this topic, and we believe that the eSafety Commissioner is a good place to start. It is a well-designed website and it has a bunch of information for dealing with eSafety at different ages – from under 5’s right through to the teenage years – just do a search for ‘eSafety Commissioner’ to find the site, or go directly to the address at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
If you need a hand setting up your home network to manage different sites and content, or advice around social media, we would be happy to help at WestVIC Technology.
About WestVIC Technology
WestVIC Technology (WVT) provides IT Advice, IT Support, and a full range of IT Services for both home and business across Western Regional Victoria. We provide our services to customers in Ballarat, Geelong, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Melton, Daylesford, Castlemaine, Maryborough, Ararat, Stawell, Camperdown, Colac and other places and towns across this region.