We SAY and SHARE online.

We MAKE and DO online.

We WATCH and EXPLORE online.

Tuesday 11th February was Safer Internet Day. 

As part of this initiative the government have produced many resources to support safer online use for children.  Young children are online before we know it.  They are playing with connected toys, tapping and swiping touch screens, choosing programs to watch on streaming services, video calling family and friends, playing games and sharing photos and video.  Being online has many benefits including opportunities to explore their creativity, improve their language skills, solve problems, think critically and build relationships.  The eSafety commission have produced a booklet called Early Years – Online Safety for under 5s.  Within this booklet there is Key advice to support parents and carers to protect their children when they go online. 

An example from the booklet:

Parents, carers and educators have told us they want to know how to talk about online safety without focusing on all the bad things that can happen. The eSafety Early Years initiative encourages them to share four simple messages, to help children develop online safety awareness and habits they can take to school and beyond.

Be safe

Help children understand the connected world and how they can protect their personal information. 

Be kind 

Show children how to be kind and respectful online and model good habits around device use and online sharing.

Ask for help 

Teach children to ask for help and let them know they can come to you with any issue.

Make good choices 

Help children to think critically about the content they watch and how they spend their time online.

The booklet is available to download from:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/children-under-5

The guide covers key online safety issues for children from birth to 5 and includes a range of practical tips and advice on how to support and guide them to be safe online.  By talking to your child about online safety now you lay the foundations for safer online experiences as they grow older.