by the Editor     “It’s important for parents to remember that they don’t need to be tech experts to keep their kids safe online. Parents should approach their child’s development in the online world as they would in the offline world - by teaching them about right and wrong behaviours."

This is the sound advice offered by Darren Kane, Telstra’s Internet Trust and Safety Officer, after Telstra’s recent inaugural Cyber-Safety Indicator.

A third of Australian parents with kids aged 10-17 believe their lack of technological knowledge is getting in the way of keeping their kids safe online, according to new Telstra research released today. But, "it takes a combination of social and technical skills to be safe online,” Darren said.

The research shows that a gap in technology skills is leading parents to believe that they are less capable of understanding how their kids might be exposing themselves to online risks such as cyber-bullying and identity theft.

Topping the list of parents' cyber-safety concerns was unsolicited contact from strangers and accessing inappropriate information, followed by the publishing of private content on a public social media platforms and internet scams.

The Telstra Cyber-Safety Indicator also revealed:

• Young people are avid internet users: 87 per cent of young people use the internet once or more a day with 45 per cent of kids spending three hours or more each week on social networking sites.

• Sexting is a concern: 62 per cent of parents are worried about their children sexting (the sending of sexual messages, photos or videos using a mobile).

• Parents don’t feel they see all technology use: Half of parents say their kid’s technology use frequently happens ‘under the radar’ making it hard to keep tabs on.

• A watchful eye on internet use: Half of parents keep the home PC in a family area where internet use can be easily discussed and 27 per cent say their child’s PC is located in their bedroom.

• Mixed views on social networking: 36 per cent of parents trust their child’s use of social networking sites, while a quarter admit to worrying about them posting personal information online and 15 per cent worry about who their children talk to and what they talk about.

• Young people view inappropriate content: One in five parents have found their child accessing inappropriate material online. The research also found that a third of parents have installed software to help restrict web browsing.

• Cyberbullying still happens: 12 per cent of parents say their child has been bullied or harassed online.

Encouragingly the research found Australian parents are doing many things well when it comes to developing their kid’s cyber-safety skills. Eight in ten parents are setting rules to guide their child’s use of technology while almost half are helping their kids adjust their default social network privacy settings to ensure personal details are protected.

“Technology is just something else young people use on a daily basis to make their lives easier whether it’s to do homework, connect with friends and family or to be entertained. Parents can help their children have a positive online experience by involving themselves in their children’s use of the internet, keeping an eye on how they interact with others and regularly talking to them about what online behaviour is acceptable,” Darren added.

Tips for parents to help protect your kids in the online world:

• Understand the sites and technology your kids use and know who they're talking to. Spend 10 minutes with your kids on their favourite games.  Do they make contact with strangers through the game?
• Create a list of online 'rules' with the family e.g. time limits, list of OK sites to visit, networking sites allowed to join.
• Educate your kids so they know not to give out personal details online without parental knowledge.
• Make sure your kids know what to do and where to go if they encounter cyber-bullying.
• Regularly sit with your kids when they are on the internet. Let them know you are keeping an eye on their online activity.
• Never let your kids go to meetings with ‘online’ friends without parental supervision.
• Talk with your family about the risks of internet use, particularly in chatrooms.
• Reinforce positive behaviour and values in the online world.
• Don't ignore new technologies – kids and teens will use them, if not at home then at their friends’ houses or in the school yard. Ask your child to give you a lesson on sites or internet gadgets you may not be familiar with.
• Keep the family computer in an open area such as the kitchen or living room where it can be monitored.
• Install software or services that can filter or block offensive websites.

Links:

Visit www.cybersmart.gov.au for other valuable information on how you can keep your kids safe online

Telstra’s Internet and Cyber-Safety page: www.telstra.com.au/cyber-safety.

YourKidsEd resource page:  The Best Cyber Safety Resources for Your Family

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