Keeping children safe from online exploitation with Think U Know

As a mum of five, I have always considered open and honest communication with my children to be one of the most important aspects of parenting. My children have always known that they can talk to me about anything and that I will always approach any problem calmly and without judgment. I can draw on my own experiences to discuss situations and solutions to problems. But the world today is very different to the world I grew up in. The internet and social media has influenced our lives in so many ways, opening up a whole new world of potential risks to young people. Online pornography, sending nudes and online grooming are dangers that can pose harm to our children. At an age where their curiosity about relationships is growing and their hormones are raging, some youngsters may be tempted into doing something online without thinking about the consequence of their actions. These uncharacteristic actions can have devastating results. So it is more important than ever, that we are clued up about the internet and understand the need for digital parenting. Being aware of the possible ways in which kids today view sex, relationships and the internet can help us to support our children giving them the confidence and resilience they need in this modern world.

Think U Know is an online education programme from the National Crime Agency's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command. Providing education about sexual abuse and exploitation, it provides access to practical information and resources to help raise awareness and keep young people safe online. You can also report problems and incidents to the CEOP.

The Think U Know parent's site contains information and advice to support parents looking to find out more about keeping their children safe online. It also features a new video based on the story of Romeo and Juliet, set in the modern world. The famous love story is played out via social media highlighting that although the world changes, children don't. I think this is brilliant.


        


There are practical steps that can be taken as parents, including the use of parental controls on computers and changing privacy settings on apps, but that is only one aspect of keeping children safe online.  Children won't always access the internet from home so they need to be educated and made aware of the potential online dangers, and they need to know that if a problem arises they can discuss it with a trusted adult. There is an ongoing need to talk to young people about sex, relationships and the internet, and as technology advances, we need to keep up with the advancements in communication through the varying technologies and social media apps available to our children.


*I have been compensated for this post but retain all editorial control*

Internet Matters - Keeping Your Children Safe Online

For many parents, internet safety is a huge concern.  With children connected to the internet across a whole host of devices, it is important that families are computer savvy and aware of the potential dangers. From social networking to online gaming to chat rooms, there are so many ways children are experiencing the internet.  Parents need to be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to deal with any issues that might arise.

The UK’s four major broadband providers; BT, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk, have joined forces to help parents safely navigate the internet with their children.  This initiati, Internetmatters.org, will cement the UK’s position as a world leader in child internet safety, with the tagline “learn about it, talk about it, deal with it”.

Research has revealed that 74% of parents want more information and advice about online safety and 48% would prefer this information to be available online. To meet this demand, Internetmatters.org has been created as a one-stop hub, directing parents to valuable help and advice from the leading experts from organisations and charities in the child internet safety field. This initiative will encourage the wider technology industry, experts, policy makers and parents to work together to establish world-leading resources for parents , equipping parents with the information they need to make informed decisions and keep their children safe online.

With a 90% reach to homes across the UK through the four major broadband providers, Internet Matters is expected to become a household name. Internet Matters.org will complement each providers own internet safety provisions and provide a forum for best practice.

Subjects such as how to deal with inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online grooming, sexting and keeping a good online reputation are covered.  The resources allow parents to make informed choices about their children’s internet safety.

Find out more at http://www.internetmatters.org/