“Getting information off the internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant.” (Mitchell Kapor)

Now, more than ever, we need to protect our kids beyond the physical realm - online risks are real and we need to empower our kids to navigate the World Wide Web safely.

HOW CAN WE DO THIS?

• Promote open lines of communication and trust.
  Try to foster a relationship that ensures that your child feels comfortable coming to you, without fear of punishment or embarrassment, if they come across anything online that they are unsure of.
• Introduce them to the concept of the digital footprint.
  Something shared now will stay on the internet forever and negative content can cause problems later on in life.
• Explain “share aware” and the importance of protecting your privacy.
  Information about yourself is personal and details should not be shared with anyone online. Data is a very strong currency and is worth a lot.
• Make use of parental controls.
  Look at router-specific settings, browser settings, and gaming console settings. Maximise the tools at your disposal.

Provide your kids with the right tools for their internet browsing toolkit:

• Teach them the importance of a strong password.
• Ensure they are aware of online stranger danger.
• Share the risks of things like illegal downloads and pirated content.
• Explain what cyber-bullying is and what to do if they are a victim.
• When it comes to email, how to identify spam and avoid bad links and malicious downloads.
• The internet gives us access to everything, but that also means it has access to us too.

We all need to be careful and smart when browsing the internet and remember that although it holds infinite opportunities, it also has the power to be devastatingly destructive.