Cybersmart: Teaching kids to be smart and safe online

To young people in Australia, the online world is a place where the virtual and the real collide. For many young people, the internet and mobile phones are their social lifeline. Online technologies are so important to them that teens’ online and offline friendships may be lost if they are not able to text or post on social forums. While the online world has the potential to provide a positive platform for entertainment and learning, there are risks. These include cyberbullying, inappropriate contact, identity theft, scams and exposure to adult content. These issues exist for all children, from pre-schoolers who are only starting to use a computer, to more experienced teens.

To help parents and carers minimise and address these risks, the Cybersmart program offers a comprehensive range of information and resources about cybersafety designed to meet the needs of parents, children, teachers and library staff. Cybersmart is a national cybersafety education program provided by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA).

One of the main concerns for parents is the potential for cyberbullying. Increased media coverage has demonstrated the impact cyberbullying can have on children’s lives and on their overall wellbeing. Children can be bullied online through email, chat rooms, instant messaging, social networking sites and mobile phones. They can be bullied 24 hours a day, sometimes in the privacy of their own bedroom. Many children choose not to report this behaviour, for fear of losing access to their computer or mobile phone. While cyberbullying can be upsetting for the child involved, parents may find themselves feeling unable to help as their own understanding of cyberbullying and the internet is limited.

A second area of concern for parents is their child’s digital reputation—the image they portray online. While computers and mobile phones have become an extension of their identity, young people can be unaware about how they are perceived online. The potential for their digital reputation to follow them throughout life is a difficult concept for young people to comprehend. Once information is posted online, for example, it can be impossible to delete. Photos posted on social networking sites become the property of the site owner and it can be impossible to remove them or control access to them. This can be overlooked by young users. Young people may also be unaware that the words or photos they post to show friends may be seen by a much larger audience. Family, friends, future partners and employers may have access to embarrassing images and messages which can damage a young person’s reputation.

Many parents may feel daunted about their children’s internet use, but they can make a difference in helping their children have safe and positive experiences online. Becoming aware of how children and young people use the internet, what they use it for, issues to look out for and strategies to manage online risks, are all valuable steps. Guiding children about specific online issues means they are better prepared to deal with a range of situations online and able to enjoy positive internet experiences.

The ACMA’s Cybersmart website is a valuable source of news, resources and information about current cybersafety issues for parents and their children. It provides practical information and advice about how to deal with cybersafety risks and includes videos, tips and a range of activities to engage parents and young people of all ages.

Parents may also find Internet Safety Awareness presentations offered by the ACMA’s Cybersafety Outreach program useful. These information sessions are available free of charge throughout Australia, and provide valuable information about the risks facing children online, and appropriate tools and strategies to help make their experiences safe and positive.

For more information or specific advice, visit the Cybersmart website: www.cybersmart.gov.au Telephone: Cybersafety Contact Centre on 1800 880 176 Email: cybersafety@acma.gov.au