You’ve seen it before.
You’ve read it.
Now it’s happening again.
You’re not alone.
As your child ages, the internet is becoming a dangerous place to live.
Here are some tips for how to stay safe.
What are the dangers of online abuse?
Some of the most common ways that children get caught up in the internet’s growing reach are abuse and harassment.
The main reason is that, as kids get older, they become more accustomed to it and become more aware of what it means to be an active participant in online communities.
It’s also common for kids to develop a taste for what their friends and family think of them and their interests.
These behaviours are part of a growing trend that has seen many people increasingly use social media to connect with friends and strangers in real time.
While these types of behaviours are common, there’s another group of people that are more often targeted online and who can feel especially vulnerable online: the vulnerable children.
They’re often the youngest in a family, and it can be difficult to know whether or not someone they know will see the same type of online harassment as they do.
They are also at risk for bullying, cyber-bullying and stalking.
These problems are also amplified in communities of colour, where many young people are not treated as equals online.
A recent study from University of British Columbia found that Indigenous people experience significantly higher rates of internet abuse than non-Indigenous people.
As a result, they are also less likely to be protected online.
Here’s how to protect yourself and your kids from online abuse.
Protect yourself against online abuse: Don’t get too caught up with the internet.
Use social media apps like WhatsApp or Telegram to avoid being overwhelmed by messages or messages being shared.
Use apps like Signal or Telegram if you need to talk quickly or easily with people, such as friends and co-workers.
Be vigilant about your own safety.
Never assume someone you know has done something wrong online.
It can be hard to tell if someone is really trying to hurt you online, but keep a close eye on your account, and check that they haven’t done anything wrong.
Don’t let strangers or strangers’ friends use your account.
If someone uses your account to contact you and asks for your contact details, tell them to stop.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up your password, but if someone uses it to contact your family members or friends without your permission, don’t give them your password.
If you can’t delete a message or contact, take it down.
It doesn’t have to be immediately removed, but don’t send it again.
Be cautious about your family’s online safety.
If your family is members of an ethnic minority or have a history of mental health issues, you should talk to your family or friends about how to better protect them online.
Donor care: Donating to organisations that are caring for vulnerable people online can help.
Many charities, including charities working with vulnerable children, are now taking steps to improve their response to online abuse, with a recent report from the US charity Childline showing that it’s the first time they’ve ever reported an incident of online bullying.
It recommends charities and community organisations to: ensure their social media profiles are safe for their members to view and report on, such that you can quickly flag a potential threat, and take swift action when it does happen
