INTERNET SAFETY Helen Butler November 2012 National Parents Council Primary

What do you want from this presentation?

Your Child and the Web Understanding children Understanding teenagers What do kids do online?

Equipment What Internet-ready equipment do you have? How accessible is it to children? Protections: Safety features, filtering software, anti-virus etc Passwords and privacy

Your Role as a Parent Encouraging and supporting Teaching and guiding Setting boundaries Reinforcing good behaviour Being a role model Building a relationship of trust

Social Media Social media sites can be used for positive activities… ….connecting kids with friends and family, ….helping students with school, ….for entertainment

Tips for Parents Get some basic learning for yourself Engage with your child about the Internet as early as possible Discuss and agree rules together and have meaningful sanctions Be aware of what to do if things go wrong Network with other parents Assert yourself as a parent!

What to do if something goes wrong? Stay calm Reassure your child Gather evidence Talk to the authorities Network with other parents Forgive your child if they make a mistake

Resources Safety features An Garda Síochána

National Parents Council Primary INTERNET SAFETY Helen Butler November 2012