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How can you ensure your child's safety online?
Parents considerably under-estimate the risks their children are experiencing online, according to new research from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
The survey UK Children Go Online revealed that in a cross section of 9-19-year-olds who go online at least once a week, 57% have come into contact with pornography and 46% claim to have given out personal information. Only 20 % and 5% of parents respectively realise this.
The truth of the matter is that you can help to provide a safe surfing environment for kids at home through supervision and by following a few simple guidelines.
Filtering programmes
While no Internet filter will ever be 100% perfect, they may provide some peace of mind for concerned parents. However most children's charities say that sensible surfing is the key factor.
Filters can use lists of banned words or editor approved 'walled gardens' to restrict access to the net, but as Which? conclude: "despite their claims, filters can't block all Internet nasties."
The consumer champion also points out that: "most filters concentrate on web use, and don't filter emails, newsgroups or chatrooms - which can be dangerous for children."
Safety advice
Childnet, the children's charity committed to helping to make the internet a safe place for children, has some top safety tips for children who regularly surf the web.
Stay SMART
S - Staying safe involves being careful and not giving out your name, address, mobile, school name or password to people on line.
M - Meeting someone you meet in cyberspace can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents or carers permission and then when they are present.
A - Accepting e-mails or opening files from people you don't really know or trust can get you into trouble - they may contain viruses or nasty messages
R - Remember someone online may be lying and not be who he or she say they are. If you feel uncomfortable when chatting or messaging end the conversation.
T - Tell your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.
More advice for parents
Parents should place their home computer in a room where other people are likely to be, such as a lounge or dining room.
Allowing a child to have a computer in their own bedroom can be potentially very dangerous.
It is a good idea to accompany children while they surf on the Internet and encourage them to use sites that you know are safe and monitored.
For more expert advice on safeguarding your children from the internet visit the NCH children's charity website by clicking on the link to the right.
