Cybersafety

At Tahuna we are very aware of the value of the internet but also the harm it can cause through inappropriate use by students. Through our Digital Citizenship programmes we encourage safe and careful use of digital devices when our students are using and communicating on the internet. In this article we explore some facts and tips that you can use at home to reinforce the cybersafety message.

Facts and Tips

Social media

Fact: On average, children aged 10 to 14 years have 2 active social media accounts

1. Talk regularly with your child about privacy settings on social media. Updating your own privacy settings sets a great example and helps you understand potential safety issues. Be aware of any minimum age requirements.

2. Keep your ears and eyes open. Other parents and the media can be a great source of information when it comes to the latest or most preferred app.

3. Let your child know that you’re really interested in how they’re connecting with friends. They might be more inclined to talk openly about social media if you talk about what others (their friends and peers) are doing online.

Screen time

Fact: On average, outside of school, 10 to 14 year olds spend 23 hours online per week

1. Try to encourage positive screen time, like content that you can view and enjoy together. Discourage anything that is overly aggressive or disrespectful.

2. Negotiate key rules together, such as when screens can be on and when they need to be turned off. Young teens are likely to respond better to rules that they’ve contributed to and see as being fair and consistent.

3. Agree ahead of time on the rules and strategies to get your child to switch off from the screen. With gaming, think about a timer that signals that game time is nearly over and be clear about the consequences for not switching off.

Personal information

Fact: 12% of 10 to 14 year olds share personal information online

1. Get your child on side with online privacy by exploring how their personal information can be used now and in the future.

2. If you have your own social media account, think about the types of photos and information you share. Do you post photos of your child that show details oftheir school, sporting club or other activities? Take the opportunity to review your own habits and model safe online behaviour.

3. Get involved—play along with your child to get a feel for how they are managing their online privacy in the gaming world.