If your child is receiving a new laptop, tablet, mobile phone etc. for Christmas ensure you download K9 Web Protection before giving it to them.
· Websites for children are not permitted to request personal information without a parent's permission. Talk to children about what personal information is and why you should never give it to people online. www.webwise.ie – information pack for the home to talk about internet safety, make rules for the house and discuss typical scenarios to keep children safe.
- If children use chat or e-mail, talk to them about never talking to strangers online or meeting in person with anyone they first "met" online.
- Talk to children about not responding to offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat, or other communications. Do not delete the offensive or dangerous e-mail; turn off the monitor, and contact local authorities.
- Keep the computer in the family room or another open area of your home so you can supervise their internet access.
- Get informed about computers and the Internet.
- Let children show you what they can do online and visit their favourite sites.
- Know who children are exchanging e-mail with and only let them use chat areas when you can supervise.
- Be aware of any other computers or devices your child may be using.
- Internet accounts should be in the parent's name with parents having the primary screen name, controlling passwords, and using blocking and/or filtering devices.
- Talk to children about what to do if they see something that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Show them how to turn off the monitor and emphasise that it's not their fault if they see something upsetting. Remind children to tell a trusted adult if they see something that bothers them online.
Personalise privacy settings on Facebook
1. When you log into Facebook at the top right hand corner, click the lock and then click see more settings. The three key areas are: Privacy, Timeline and Tagging and Blocking.
2. Firstly in Privacy, ensure you edit each section and it is set to Friends, use the activity log to control and review what appears on you time line and finally limit past posts for the audience for your previous posts.
3. In the second section Timeline and Tagging ensure each of the questions are set to friends and make sure review posts you are tagged in is ON and review tags that people add is ON.
4. The final section Blocking: If someone is sending you nasty or hurtful messages you can type their name in to the first box and click block. They will then be unable to access or contact you through your Facebook page.
