The cyber safety messages shared with children at the start of the school year usually remain consistent each year. This consistency occurs because human nature and associated risks and responsibilities tend to remain relatively unchanged.
Children now access technology at a younger age, spend more time online, and have greater access to technology than ever before.
Talking to our children about safety, both in the physical world and online, is incredibly important. It’s valuable to remind them about potential dangers and to discuss the rules and responsibilities related to their online activities. These conversations reinforce the information and help embed it in their minds.
Some milestones that a parent may face as their children transition to a higher year level include:
- “I’m 13 now, so I’m allowed to have Instagram/Snapchat/Facebook”
- “Can I have my own phone”
- “I’m the only one who doesn’t have ……”
- “The school gave me this laptop so you can’t tell me what to do with it”
- “I don’t have to tell you my passwords”
Most parents will be confronted with one or more or these milestones as their children grow. Remember:
- There are no strict rules for these milestones. Every child and family is unique. Trust your instincts.
- Choose wisely and stay informed; removing something is difficult.
- A child is unlikely to miss out or be negatively impacted if they don’t get their way with technology.
- You are the one who decides how technology is used.
- You have a right to ask your child any question you want about technology, that makes you a good parent.
- You have a right to know where your children are going online and who they are connecting with.
- Rules governing technology are not optional; they are essential and will reward you many times over.
- Children often do not need computers for homework, despite claims they do.
- Technology can positively impact our family’s life, but it requires management.
If mistakes are made or rules are broken, do not overreact; this can be normal. Have a conversation with your child and use it as a learning experience.
Most families and children navigate their digital world without significant issues. We can further reduce this risk by staying involved and communicating with our children.
Our Parent Cyber Safety Hub can provide you with the support, education, and resources you need to create a fun, educational, and safe environment for your children from a very young age through to the older teenage years.
