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TOP TIPS

CHILDREN – We often need to ‘sign up’ before being able to use a service, such as a games website, or a social media platform. Did you know that when you sign up for any online account or service you automatically agree to allow your personal information to be used and shared in a range of different ways?

Personal Information is one of the most valuable things we hold about ourselves and yet we often give it away freely without thinking. Before giving away any personal information, stop and think… and always check with an adult before proceeding.

PARENTS – You have an important role to play in protecting your child’s personal information online as well as your own.

Most online services and accounts require you to share personal information when you sign up. As parents and carers, you must manage what your child is ‘signing up’ for online and should know how their personal information is being shared by the people who it is revealed to. Take the time to find out how personal information is used and if it is appropriate for your child to be ‘signing up’.

Make use of privacy updates and ‘Privacy Settings’ and use these to secure online accounts.

Consider deleting accounts that have misused or misled you about how they handle personal information and how they allow it to be used.

CHILDREN – It can be annoying when you get stuck in an online game either on your own or in a team. Game tips and walkthroughs can help by giving you quick and easy answers but there is no greater feeling than solving the problem yourself.

Some people think that finding out easy ways to play games is cheating and can lead to more serious behaviour online. What do you think?

PARENTS – Most Internet users would not dream of committing a crime in the real world but this can be confusing when it comes to our behaviour online.

Early signs of criminal behaviour online can be something as innocent as the use of gaming cheats but can lead to something more serious for the skilled and talented.

These users are motivated by problem solving, curiosity and the need to prove themselves to their peers. With the average age for a suspect placed at 17, cybercriminals are getting younger and younger.

Online games can be a recruiting ground for young, talented but naive users of technology who see their actions as victimless.

It is flattering for young gamers to become valued for their knowledge and gaming skills but this can also make them targets.

Keep an eye on what games your children are playing, who they are being played with and the kind of things they are doing online, focus on the relationships they are building online.

CHILDREN – Social networking apps and messaging can be a quick and easy way of keeping in touch with your friends. Be respectful online and use your devices responsibly. Think about what you are sharing online and who you are sharing it with.

Avoid over using your devices – there is a wonderful world to discover, so turn your computer/tablet off and do some different things!

PARENTS – The Internet can be welcome company for many children, parents and carers. Holidays can be great to catch up with friends online and download the latest apps and games. Take the lead and make time to talk to your child about their life online and remind them of safer ways to behave. Review privacy settings and Friend Lists.

Talk to your child about safe sharing and model safer behaviour online yourself, by paying attention to what is being shared online and with whom.

Perhaps most importantly, relieve boredom by getting out and about and leaving devices at home.