Cyber Sense and Safety

Young people now grow up with screens as an integral part of their education and social development, and as more young people have access to mobile devices it is increasingly difficult to measure daily screen time.

Due to this shift, it is more critical to focus on the quality of the content being consumed rather than a simple focus on the number of hours of screen time.

Unfortunately, this information will not provide a "fix" for navigating the online world; or "bully proof" your child.

It will explore how open communication, some strategies and available resources (and yes many of them are online) can provide opportunities for parents and carers to help:

their children assess the risks AND recognise their responsibilities when using technology (especially social media sites)

the whole family to identify what is and isn't working in your digital lives

While there are numerous resources and advice available, it is advisable to tailor them to suit your family's needs.

Most important to remember

Research indicates active, positive parental involvement decreases risky online activity for teens and children.

From: 2010 Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use

If parents and carers develop their knowledge about the types of apps, games, sites their children are accessing AND maintain positive relationships and open communication they can help their children develop healthy, protective behaviours in both the virtual and real-world settings.

Understanding Cybersafety?

Cyber safety refers to the practices and measures taken to ensure safe and responsible use of the internet and digital devices.

It involves protecting personal information, avoiding harmful content, and preventing cyber threats such as viruses, fraud, and other forms of online attacks.

Key Aspects of Cyber Safety

By following these principles, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber threats and ensure a safer online experience for themselves and their families.

Cyber safety tips for parents

The video on Cyber Safety tips for parents that demonstrates how to guide your child's use of technology.

Viewing time: 1:08mins

The video on Cyber Safety tips for parents that demonstrates how to guide your child's use of technology.

While there are numerous resources and advice available, it is advisable to tailor them to suit your family's needs.

Activity: Online safety list

Before watching the video
Write a list of the things you do now around online safety at home.
Whilst watching
Tick the items on your list if you have them, and add to the list any additional ideas the video may give you.

Ground Rules

Establishing ground rules for internet and technology use in the home is essential for fostering a healthy digital environment for the family. These rules can include designated screen time limits, encouraging device-free meals, and setting specific times for technology use, such as homework or family activities. It's also important to promote open communication about online and responsible behavior, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable discussing their online experiences.

Opportunities and Risks

The negative aspects of the internet include internet addiction as well as online risks such as exposure to sexually explicit material and online victimisation including harassment or cyber bullying.

However, the internet also has many positive aspects and can be used to enhance learning and empowerment.

Opportunities

Finding information
Entertainment
Developing tech proficiency
Social interaction
Creativity
Enhancing learning
Problem solving skills

Risks

Accessing inappropriate content
Contact with strangers
Sharing personal information
Excessive use/feeling isolated
Reduced fitness
Being bullied/negative self image
Viruses/scams/fraud

Risk Management

Research indicates active, positive parental involvement decreases risky online activity for teens and children.
From: 2010 Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use

Parents and carers can develop their knowledge about the types of apps, games, sites their children are accessing AND maintain positive relationships and open communication they can help their children develop healthy, protective behaviours in both the virtual and real-world settings.

Developing knowledge and skills
It is not necessary or practical to immerse yourself in every site your child might access but just to maintain an awareness of the direction communication might take on different platforms.

Content

This can include any inappropriate content like pornography, voilence or other things that they might find uncomfortable.

Conduct

Children and young people run the risk of being hurt or hurting others with online behaviour.

Contact

There is a risk that with an online presence children and teens can come into contact with people they don't know or someone posing as a child or young person.

Contract

Examples of contract risks include making in app purchases or signing up for agreements without a full understanding of what they have done.

Impact of tech use on teens and young people

References:

Physical health | Commissioner for Children and Young People, Western Australia (ccyp.wa.gov.au)

Too much time on screens? Screen time effects and guidelines for children and young people | Australian Institute of Family Studies (aifs.gov.au)

DOWNLOAD

ESafety Research
Parenting in Digital Age

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DOWNLOAD

Research paper: Benefits of technology

use

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The Australian Guidelines for Healthy Growth and Development for Children and Young People (5 to 17 years) recommend that the use of electronic media for entertainment should be limited to a maximum of two hours per day and long periods of sitting should be broken up as often as possible.

In Western Australia, the average screen time for young people varies by age group. Here are some key findings:

12 to 14-year-olds:
On average, they spend about 157 minutes (approximately 2.6 hours) per day on sedentary screen-based activities.
15 to 17-year-olds:
This age group spends around 181 minutes (approximately 3 hours) per day on screens.

These averages are above the recommended maximum of two hours per day for recreational screen time.

** It’s important to note that these figures do not include screen time for schoolwork, which can add to the total daily screen time.

REMEMBER it is more critical to focus on the quality of the content being consumed

rather than a simple focus on the number of hours of screen time.

Identifying Threats

Impact of Internet Use on Teens and Increased Risks

LEGAL AID WA :Cyberbullying
Viewing time:3:12mins

LEGAL AIDWA:What happens with 'those special' selfies
Viewing time: 3:29mins

Impact and Risks

Mental Health

Anxiety and Depression: Excessive use of social media has been linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression among teens.

Studies show that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues.

A suggestion is promoting positive online behaviour such as encourage teens to follow positive role models and engage in uplifting and educational content. This can help counteract the negative effects of social media.

Cyberbullying: Online bullying can lead to severe emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Advice for parents and caregivers

Recommendations for Parents

Open Communication: Encourage open discussions about online activities and experiences.
Set Boundaries: Establish rules for internet use, including time limits and appropriate content.
Monitor Activity: Use parental controls and regularly check in on your teen’s online behavior.
Educate: Teach teens about the risks and how to protect themselves online.

By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps, parents can help their teens navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Self-reflection for parents
and caregivers

Mindful

Ask yourself how you feel before you go online?
What is it exactly that you’re looking for?
How do your mental and physical feelings change when you go online?
How could I improve on reading these cues?

Meaningful

Is what I’m doing online aligned with my goals?
Does it positively contribute to my life and wellbeing?

Moderate

How do I know if I’m over-reacting to something online?
How can I keep track of my time on social media?
What tools can I use to help me remember to pause before I post online?

TIPS

Do not show school or sporting logos on clothes etc
Ask yourself - does that photo need to be posted on wall or can I create a family album for trusted people?

REMEMBER
There is no one size fits all for every family so discuss what works best for your situation but write it down so it is clear what has been agreed to; and set up a review as your child grows or family situations change.

How can you effectively serve as a positive role model?

Considerations for your children's online activity

Mindful:

Check in sometimes before and after your child goes online to see if they have noticed any changes in how they feel physically and emotionally.

Moderate:

How long is too long? (Your idea of enough and your child's may not align.)

How much information is 'safe' to share?

Are the interactions 'fair' and respectful?

Meaningful:

This doesn't mean that every interaction has to be life changing but encourage your child to ask themselves if their online time is having a positive or negative effect on their wellbeing (and to consider the well being of others too)

Role Model

Role model the behaviour you want to see e.g. guard your contact information, maintain healthy online AND real world connections with others.

Listen and talk.

Keep two-way communication open with your child/young person and encourage them to find other trusted adults to share their concerns if you are not available.

It really does take a village.

Contact Anglicare WA

Everyone needs help sometimes. Anglicare WA is here to support you without judgement.

Anglicare WA offers a wide range of services in multiple locations across WA, we’re never too far away.

If you’re not sure where to go, call us on 1300 11 44 46.

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Cyber Sense and Safety

Most important to remember