Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer is warning parents whose children spend time online to understand the risks that could put them in danger.
With the school holidays well underway, many children are spending more time using the internet and Sergeant Triona Brooks says it’s vital that parents have a conversation the importance of online safety.
She says children need to understand that they should never share any personal information and that they should avoid inappropriate content, cyberbullying and online grooming.
Sergeant Brooks is encouraging parents to be involved in your child’s online life.
She says “The most important thing is to communicate with your children about what they are doing online. Familiarise yourself with the apps and websites they are using. Learning about the internet is the most effective way for you to protect your child from online dangers.
“You can get lots of practical information and advice on online safety online; the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has a website that has information on its parenting hub about online safety and children’s exposure to inappropriate content.
“CyberSafeIreland educates children, parents and teachers in online safety and has a dedicated advice page for parents
“Webwise.ie – gives you access to expert advice, information on the latest apps and social networks and has a how to guide on setting up parental controls.
“Hotline.ie – provides safety advice for parents and children using the internet.
“National Parents Council Primary – has a helpline for parents on internet safety issues and also provides online and face to face training courses.
“Be involved in your child’s online life, set rules and limits to internet use and make sure your child can come to you if anything happens online that upsets, worries or scares them”, she concluded.
