If your kids have access to the internet in your home, it’s important to know what you need to do to keep them safe.
The online world changes from year to year. These days, bullying can extend past school into social websites that your children may frequent. The person your child befriends online may not even be a child.
Occasionally, you might come across a website that has explicit content– with a website name that sounded as though it was for children.
It’s best to keep your family computer where you can monitor a young child’s online time.
These are Her Web Life’s pick of the Australian cyber safety sites for children.
They are bright, up to date, and appeal to children with their simple explanations and games.
Cybersmart includes information for older children and teenagers, as well as parents.
Each section is set up for the relevant age group.
It has lots of games, stories and resources to help children understand the online world. There’s even a ‘Hector the Protector’ button you can download– it sits on your desktop and your young children can press it and fill the screen with a picture if they inadvertantly come across something disturbing online.
Kids gain a cool badge when they complete their safety learning!
This site was developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
SoSo has a very child-centric menu– easy and fun to access all the options. There’s quick access to a safety checklist. It’s a very simple site that matches a young child’s short attention span.
Links to sites such as Habbo and Cartoon Network may not be appropriate for some families, for instance in cases where parents prefer their children visit only educational websites.
SoSo is an initiative to bring together the digital media industry, government and community.
