With youngsters now spending a significant portion of their time in online environments it is
important that we, as parents, remain vigilant to the risks of being online and talk our
children about these. The government's eSafety website (https://www.esafety.gov.au/
parents) has numerous resources to help parents navigate these. The following online
safety tips offer targeted advice for parents of children between the ages of 5 and 12. They
have been taken from the eSafety website. Advice is also available on this site for children
below the age of 5 and children between the ages of 13 to 17.
As children start to navigate the online world and interact with others more independently,
they are more likely to be exposed to risks of bullying or unwanted contact, accidentally
coming across inappropriate content or racking up bills through in-app purchases.
Your guidance can help them be aware of the risks and understand what is expected of
them. And let them know you are always there to support them.
For kids aged 5 to 12, it is important to:
Keep the computer or device in an area of your home that can be supervised. And check
in regularly with your child to see what they are viewing.
Stay engaged with their online activity. If they agree, consider setting up your own
accounts with the sites they use most so you can see how they work and understand the
risks.
Explore the online world with them to help establish that this is not just a solitary activity.
Play games with them. Do a creative project together.
Think about social media readiness. Most social media sites require users to be at least
13 years of age before they can register, although some sites are created especially for
children under 13. See are they old enough?
Encourage respect and empathy. Teach them to avoid sharing or posting things that may
upset others. See good habits start young.
Start building resilience. Teach your child that there are ways they can deal with material
that worries or frightens them. This includes immediately telling you or another trusted
adult of any concerns or uncomfortable material. See good habits start young.
Encourage them to learn about online safety by exploring the kids section of this site.
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