Parents learn real risks for children in a virtual world
9:15am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News
PARENTS and grandparents learned how children can unknowingly put themselves at risk online.
They were also taught the internet was a “fantastic”
resource for young people in helping their education.
Bolton College family learning department organised special workshops for adults to mark European Safer Internet Day 2012 yesterday.
Parents and grandparents were taught steps to protect their children on the internet as they would in the “real world”.
Risks highlighted included grooming, cyber-bullying, viewing inappropriate material as well as playing internet games, which was affecting young people’s health.
Tips to keep children safe included setting up parental controls, talking to children and looking for changes in their behaviour or health.
Parents were told about the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) button available on some websites where bullying and concerns could be reported.
Jayne Tramontana, curriculum leader for family learning, said: “Parents need to keep up with their children and know about the practical and free steps they can take to keep children safe.
“The internet is a fantastic resource for children’s learning, and as they are taught the road safety, parents and grandparents need to teach children about internet safety.”
Robina Hussain, who has three children aged five, eight and 13, added: “It is worrying and scary how much information children can put online.
“I feel more empowered about being able to do something.
I will be putting filters and controls on.
“Parents do have to take responsibility in keeping their children safe on the internet.”
Grandparent-of-five Vince Tramontana said: “The risks are as real as they are in the real world.”
For more information log on to childnet.com/KIA/
