4 minute read
Staying Safe Online
Do you feel overwhelmed thinking about dangers in the online world?
The landscape of our social media and virtual lives is constantly developing and changing, and even for tech-savvy parents, it can be hard to keep up with new platforms and how they are used. We are the first generation of parents and teachers to navigate this world, and feeling we are doing enough to keep them safe is tough.
As SSV’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), I see online safety coming increasingly into the work I do. We want to empower our young people to use technology confidently whilst keeping themselves and others safe. This year we have run workshops and discussion groups to support and educate our community. I would like to share our current approach, tips, and valuable resources on this topic.
Start conversations about online safety regularly
Just like teaching your child to cross the street safely, talking to your child about staying safe online is essential.
• Invite questions and reassure them that if issues arise, you will support them.
• Make it a two-way conversation. Ask what your child enjoys doing online or let them teach you something new to better understand their digital world.
• Adapt the conversation based on your child’s age and maturity. InternetMatters provides agespecific advice, checklists, resources, and activities for parents and children to explore together.
• Set clear restrictions or guidelines for internet use. Explain the reasons behind them and be open to negotiation. Your child may disagree, but remember that your role as a parent is to protect their online safety, just as you do for their physical safety.
To visualise how little control one has over online content, in student assemblies we sprayed deodorant to show that it was impossible to put it back in the can, helping them understand the permanence and reach of their online words.
Use the Opportunity to Connect
Screens and time online are a common source of household conflict. However, you could use this challenging topic to connect and strengthen your relationship.
The Senior School Voorschoten Counsellors shared this advice:
• Consider how you respond to your child’s views:
- Listen to your child actively
- When your child approaches you, give them your full attention
- Validate their feelings and manage your own emotions to create a safe space for sharing
• Consider what your child needs from you:
- Show trust when it’s appropriate (unless someone is in danger)
- Maintain your authority but be willing to explain your reasons
- Give praise
• Work together with your child :
- Find an activity to do together, such as sharing regular meals
- Be observant
Creating a family agreement regarding devices, screentime and the internet can also be helpful. It may sound formal, but it clarifies expectations and ensures consistency in following through.
Modelling behaviour
Recognise that adults are also increasingly drawn to screens and the online world. Consider the behaviours you exhibit regarding screen time and social media use. Talk to your child about your own interactions and decision-making process when sharing content.
Reinforce lessons about reliable information sources and the dangers of fake news by sharing examples from your social media feed.
Stay informed about online safety
• Familiarise yourself with the risks of privacy invasion, identity theft, persuasive design, and dangerous online behaviours.
• Implement simple measures to enhance data security, such as disabling location services and being cautious when participating in online quizzes or using open WiFi networks.
• Find out how online safety is addressed at your child’s school. Ask for the topics covered and build on these at home. Knowing which staff member oversees safeguarding and who can be approached with concerns is also helpful.
By initiating conversations, modelling appropriate behavior, and staying informed, you can play an active role in safeguarding your child’s online experience. How people use social media and the internet will continue to evolve, which means supporting students to stay safe and take precautions is an ongoing area of work. However, by working together, we can equip students with the knowledge, skills, and resilience they need to navigate the online world.
