STACK #231 January 2024

TECH FEATURE

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screen for a period of time. The key with time is that we have moved away from simple numbers to looking at what they are doing in the time they are online. Longer periods of time (into hours) will usually be too much, unless we're talking about an older teen completing homework. What should the non negotiables around digital health be for parents? Devices with internet and cameras must NEVER be in a bedroom or a bathroom.

Image: Steinar Engeland - Unsplash

The internet can be a wonderful educational and communication tool for children, but, like anything in life, it can have a dark side too. Susan McLean is Australia’s foremost expert in cyber safety, who spent 27 years in Victoria Police. In 2007, Susan used her extensive experience to establish Cyber Safety Solutions and specialises in everything related to cyber safety for the young. She spoke with STACK about steps parents can take to help keep their children safe online. Words Paul Jones CYBER SAFETY

All devices put away and off overnight where a child cannot access them. Know what your child is doing online and where they are going. What tools can parents use to help keep their children safe online? The best protective factor is an involved parent. Be there with them when they are online. Use the parental controls and restrictions that devices come with and have a ‘Family Online’ safety contract which clearly explains the expectations of tech use. Is there any advice you could give to parents that are not tech savvy? Parenting in the digital space is a not negotiable and like anything if you are not educated you will not do it well. Educate yourself to make sure that you know how to best protect your child. That is YOUR job. If there are potential issues, what are the next steps for parents? Parents should remain calm and try and work out what has happened. Praise your child for speaking up and take screenshots of everything. Report the abuse to the platform then block the user. If it is a cyberbullying issue, take the information to the school. If the matter is grooming or sextortion then you must inform the police. Your child will not get into trouble if they have made a mistake online. What’s the best advice you can give to a parent to ensure their child stays safe online? Talk early and talk often, but it is never too late to start. Be an active and involved parent in their online world and remember NO is a very important word. Do not allow your child to lie about their age to set up an account they should not have.

Is there a minimum age that children should be introduced to online safety? The concept of safe use of tech should start the moment a child has access to a device. You don’t wait for a period of time after giving a child a bike to teach them how to ride safely, so the use of tech is no different. When a child uses a device, you can take that opportunity to talk about its use. Prior to handing over a device to a child, sit with them and explain your expectations and what safe use looks like. Also have a clear set of rules for tech use in your house. What are the top three signs parents should be alert to that their children are having potential issues online? Become the world’s best expert on your own child and investigate any change in behaviour to see what might be happening. Things you might notice include changes in their demeanour, How should online safety be first introduced?

Be an active and involved parent in their online world...

Susan McLean Cyber safety expert

being secretive in their online use, and not wanting to go to school.

How many hours of screen time per day is recommended for children? Best practice is considered no screens for under twos. This does not mean they cannot Facetime grandparents, rather sit in front of a

Susan McLean can be contacted at cybersafetysolutions.com.au

20 JANUARY 2024

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