What’s your child doing on the ‘net’?

MOST children tend to be more skilled on the internet than their parents and when it comes to using technological devices, there’s no doubt about it, the internet with its games, social media, worldwide shopping, up-to-the minute information and all the other hype, is as captivatingly appealing to grown-ups as it is to children. But along with all the online fun and frolic, there are hidden dangers that parents should be aware of.For instance, at the click of a button, your child could be exposed to a world of pornography. Pornographic images are certainly not meant for children. Not only could they warp your child’s view of sex and sexual relationships, but explicit porn is linked closely to permissive attitudes and behaviours in adolescents. Parents need to be aware of the ‘sites’ their children are visiting and what types of ‘things’ go on there. Even some online video games are explicitly sexual and violent.
Where possible, parents should control their child’s use of the internet, balance it out with other more wholesome activities, like reading books and exercise. Find out how to make your computer/laptop ‘child-friendly,’ so adult sites cannot be accessed. Check the ‘history’ of your computer/laptop to see what sites your child has visited and stay in touch with what your child is doing while on the ‘net.’
‘Cyber bullying’ is another internet ill. This is when young people send hurtful or threatening messages to someone, or exchange inappropriate pictures of a known person among their peers causing undue distress and anguish to the victim. Children should be taught to use messaging in a purposeful way and not get caught up in idle, worthless texting (or sexting) or online gossip where the aim is to shame someone or hurt a person’s feelings.
‘Grooming’ is the term given to predators who ‘chat’ to young people online with the purpose of befriending them for their own ulterior motives. The predator, who is usually a Man, sometimes assumes a false or young identity. After building up a trusting relationship with a young person, he might ask to meet the young person (for a sexual encounter) or he may encourage the young person to do ‘things’ quite out of character. ‘Grooming’ is a form of brainwashing and teenagers who have difficulty making friends or who lack self-esteem are easy targets.
Parents should know who their children are ‘chatting’ to. It is not an invasion of a child’s privacy to be inquisitive and ask questions, but more the duty of a concerned parent, who wants to know and set the parameters of their child’s ‘online activities’.
There are good and bad things on the internet and all of them, only a click away from our children. But ask yourself this question: would your children tell you, if they came across something that made them feel uncomfortable, or if they saw something that they knew they should not be watching online? Because, if the truth be known, the internet also has a sinister side, where ‘one’ tends to feel as if he/she is saying, doing and watching things, in his/her own secret little World that others (mainly adults) have no clue about. So parents, be aware, be ‘on the ball’ and don’t take anything for granted. SAFEGUARD YOUR CHILDREN.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com

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