Advice on how to start the conversation and get support if you’re worried.
Online safety and coronavirus
Children and young people’s lives have changed dramatically because of the coronavirus. With social distancing measures and most schools closing, children will be spending more time at home and online.
And while the internet is a great way for children and young people to stay in touch with their friends and keep busy during lockdown, it can also bring risks. Now more than ever it’s important to talk to your child about staying safe online and about the apps and sites they’re using. We’ve got advice to help.
Screen time
While many parents and carers may be worried about their children spending more time online during lockdown, it’s important to understand what they’re doing online rather than setting limits on their total screen time.
For example, a child may spend hours searching the internet, while another child may spend less time each day talking to people they don’t know on a livestreaming or video app.
Asking them about the sites, apps and games they use regularly can be a great way to start a conversation and help you identify any risks in what your child’s doing online or who they may be talking to.
Livestreaming and video apps
Many children will find it hard not being able to see their friends or family in person, and video apps can be a great way for them to stay in touch during lockdown when used safely, but there are also risks for young people.
It’s really important to help your child understand how to livestream and use video apps safely and make sure they’re speaking to people they know already.
Social media safety
Children are also likely to be spending more time on social media during coronavirus lockdown. While social media can be a good way for children and teenagers to stay in touch with friends they’re unable to see in person, it can also be unsafe. Children using social media may also be at greater risk of online abuse or online bullying during coronavirus lockdown.
A recent NSPCC survey shows that children turning to social media because they’re feeling lonely or have poor mental health are at higher risk of being groomed online.
Talking to your child about what they’re doing or sharing online can help you to understand any risks and keep them safe.
Starting a conversation about online safety
It can be difficult to know how to start talking to your child about what they’re doing online or who they might be speaking to. But talking regularly, like you would about their day at school, will help your child feel relaxed and mean that when they do have any worries, they’re more likely to come and speak to you. It can help to:
- reassure them that you’re interested in their life, offline and online. Recognise that they’ll be using the internet to research homework as well talking to their friends.
- ask your child to show you what they enjoy doing online or apps they’re using so you can understand them.
- be positive but also open about anything you’re worried about. You could say “I think this site’s really good” or “I’m a little worried about things I’ve seen here.”
- ask them if they’re worried about anything, and let them know they can come to you.
- ask them about their friends online and how they know they are who they say they are.
- listen for the reasons why your child wants to use apps or site you don’t think are suitable, so you can talk about these together.
- ask your child what they think’s okay for children of different ages so they feel involved in the decision making.
How could my child feel talking about online safety?
For children, online life is real life. It can help to think about how your child could feel sharing what they’re doing online before you talk to them.
Some emotions they could be feeling are:
- uncomfortable
- worried
- annoyed
- confused
- happy
It is worth noting that the Greek Police has posted on its website tips for both adults and children, regarding safe internet browsing, noting that the knowledge of safety rules, the development of critical and perceptual ability and the ability to recognize dangers are basic supplies for safe internet browsing.
You can find more information in the links below:
Advice to Parents: http://www.astynomia.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&perform=view&id=322&Itemid=86&lang=EN
Advice to Young People: http://www.astynomia.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&perform=view&id=323&Itemid=86&lang=EN
Sources:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/
http://www.astynomia.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&perform=view&id=135&Itemid=128&lang=EN
