Dear Families,
As you may be aware, there has been recent media attention on an Internet
challenge that may cause concern for families. The Internet provides access to
many engaging learning opportunities, but requires responsible use and digital
citizenship. Parents play an important role in ensuring their child’s safety,
including on the Internet. It’s important for parents to talk to children about
the importance of being safe, protecting their personal information and
stressing that they should never disclose personal details that would allow
someone online to contact them in real life.
Here are 12 tips to promote safe online behaviour:
●
Children should never give anyone their name,
address, telephone number, computer password, or any other personal information
on the Internet without parental or guardian consent.
●
Children should only use social media and
websites approved by their parent or guardian.
●
Internet use should be encouraged in a
central place in your home where you can supervise children’s online
activities.
●
Don’t allow a webcam in a child’s bedroom.
●
Watch for children quickly minimizing sites
when you enter the room.
●
Reinforce that people online may not be who
they say they are.
●
Consider using parental controls like Internet
filters or blocking software.
●
Remind children that everything said online
stays in cyberspace forever, whether or not it is deleted.
●
Talk to your children about Internet safety
and clearly define your rules.
●
Never respond to messages that make them feel
confused or uncomfortable.
●
Pay attention to the games your children may download or copy.
●
Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online.
Reinforce a sense of
safety. Some
Internet content can evoke a sense of fear or lack of safety in your child. It
can be difficult for some children to discern fact / fiction online. Try
to offer reassurance that your child is safe. Children and youth take their emotional cues from the significant
adults in their lives. Your reactions can help to model calmness to your child.
Recognize that some children may be concerned about something bad happening to
themselves, family or friends. Explain to them the safety measures in place and
reassure them that you and other adults will take care of them.
Be a good listener and observer. Let children guide you to learn how concerned they are or how
much information they need. If they are not focused on the issue, do not dwell
on it. However, be available to answer their questions to the best of your
ability. Young children may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay
attention to changes in their behaviour or social interactions.
Reach out. Reach out to the school if you feel that your child may be showing
a significant reaction to online material. We may be able to offer some
classroom strategies that could help reduce stress. It may also be important to seek additional
support from a school mental health professional (i.e., social worker or psychologist)
to cope with overwhelming feelings experienced by children and youth.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Goldberg
