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Supporting Children’s Safety and Wellbeing Online: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Children are increasingly exposed to online technology from a young age, and many have immediate access to the internet. Online environments can offer many positive benefits, such as supporting learning, social connections, creativity, and communication. However, there are also potential risks that parents should be aware of to help keep their children safe.
Positive Online Experiences
Online spaces allow children to express themselves, learn new things, and connect with friends. When used thoughtfully, the internet can provide exciting opportunities for developing skills, building confidence, and engaging with different cultures and communities.
Risks of Online Harm
Although online environments offer many benefits, they also carry risks. Being aware of these risks and knowing how to manage them can help parents protect their children.
Contact Risks
Children can be harmed by negative interactions with others online. These interactions can be with people they know or strangers. Risks include:
Cyberbullying: Using technology to harm someone repeatedly.
Grooming: When adults try to befriend children online for harmful reasons.
Content Risks
Children may come across harmful content that isn’t appropriate for their age, which can influence their attitudes, behaviours, and understanding of the world. This includes:
Violent or sexualised material
Inappropriate behaviour such as racism or harmful stereotypes
Advertising that encourages unhealthy spending habits or gambling
Accessibility Risks
Online technology can dominate a child's life, taking time away from other activities
such as spending time with family, playing sports, or enjoying the outdoors. Too much time online can affect children’s wellbeing and overall balance in life.
Privacy Risks
Sharing personal information, images, or videos online without understanding the consequences can lead to harm. It is important to talk to children about privacy and online safety. Risks include:
Posting personal details on social media
Sharing intimate images or engaging in sexting
Entering personal information into unsafe websites
Encouraging a Balanced Lifestyle
It’s important to support children in balancing online activities with offline ones. Here’s how you can help:
Encourage activities such as outdoor play, sports, volunteering, or community events.
Set a good example by limiting your own screen time and engaging in non-digital activities.
Teach your children to value diversity, equality, and inclusion, and to avoid negative online stereotypes.
Support positive self-image and healthy relationships, and talk about the impact of online influences.
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Setting clear rules about online use can help children stay safe. Consider these tips:
Create a family agreement about online use to encourage ownership and responsibility.
Set time limits, like no phones at the dinner table or turning off the internet after a certain time.
Discuss privacy and confidentiality, and monitor younger children’s online activities.
Talk with other parents to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding online rules.
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If you're unfamiliar with online platforms your child is using, it’s helpful to learn about them. Here’s how:
Explore resources from the UK Government and other online safety organisations.
Attend online safety sessions at your child’s school or local community centres.
Learn how to use parental controls and filters, but remember they are not a complete solution.
Stay educated on mobile phone settings, privacy controls, and the financial implications of online purchases.
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Remaining involved in your child’s online life helps build trust and ensures they have positive experiences. Here’s how:
Learn about the platforms your child uses (such as social media apps) and set your own accounts if possible.
Talk openly with your child about who they interact with online and remind them to be cautious about meeting online friends in real life.
Discuss age-appropriate sites and help your child find suitable online spaces.
Keep an eye out for changes in behaviour, such as increased anxiety or withdrawal from others.
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Children are more likely to approach their parents with concerns if they feel comfortable. Encourage open discussions about online safety:
Talk about the dangers of cyberbullying, grooming, and inappropriate content before they encounter them.
Teach your children to question online information and understand that not everything they see online is real or trustworthy.
Reassure your child that they can always come to you with questions or concerns without fear of judgment.
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It’s important to remind children of what’s acceptable behaviour online. Talk about:
The long-term impact of what they post online, even if they think it’s deleted.
The importance of not impersonating others or creating fake profiles.
Respecting consent and understanding that the same rules apply to online relationships as in person.
Seeking Professional Help
If your child seems anxious or irritable, or if their online use is affecting their wellbeing, it may be time to speak with a professional. Psychologists can help children and families manage mental health concerns related to online experiences. You can also speak with a school counsellor or teacher for guidance.
Support for Mental Health in the Tamil Community
Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Together, we can foster open conversations about mental health in our community and provide each other with the tools needed to navigate challenges.
Remember you are not alone.
Share this resource with your friends and family and help raise awareness about mental health in the Tamil community. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels comfortable talking about mental health.