Introduction
This guidebook is designed for parents, guardians and educators who want
to learn how to keep their children and students safe online.
The internet has become essential in our lives. It plays an important role as
a communication tool. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the
world has adopted a new teaching approach where lessons are delivered to
students online. Therefore, children spend more time online on their devices
(computers, laptops or mobile phones).
So, why should you be concerned?
The internet is an open space; accessible by everyone around the world.
Young people are at risk to be exposed to unsuitable content and other
dangers.
Children tend to be enthusiastic and trusting, which makes them vulnerable
as they lack the ability to discern when they are at risk. Therefore, it's
important to teach your children and students how to use the internet safely.
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The internet has opened a world of endless possibilities for everyone
around the world. Here are some of the benefits of the Internet:
Communicating with Virtual learning provides Easy access to
people around the world more flexibility information
Entertainment anytime Convenience in shopping Collaboration and
from anywhere remotely networking around the
world
According to SaferInternetDay, interactive websites help children learn how
to solve problems as they work their way to the next level.
Teaching children how to safely use the internet is as important as
teaching them how to cross the road. Despite the benefits of the internet,
there are many dangers children can face when using digital devices or the
internet. We will be exploring the dangers and how to safeguard your
children in all situations.
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Digital wellbeing is all about how to create a healthy relationship with the
internet and technology. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a child, being
aware that your wellbeing can be - and potentially is being - affected by the
technology you’re using is vital.
Some aspects of digital wellbeing might include:
how much time we spend using digital technology;
how we interact with others online;
material we watch and engage with;
how we portray ourselves online.
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Cyberbullying and Trolling
Cyberbullying involves the use of the Internet and other technologies
to intentionally harm other users online.
Examples of Cyberbullying
Harassing or threatening someone online
Sending mean texts or messages
Hacking into someone's social network accounts
Spreading rumours or false information about someone online
Posting private information or photos of others without their
permission or approval
How can I tell if my child or student is being bullied?
Bullying can be very damaging to your child. It is very crucial to always
have an open and judgement-free zone for your child to safely express
their concerns. However, children often do not speak up out of fear and
retaliation from their bullies. Children may exhibit symptoms like faking
illness to get out of school damaged items and poor performance at
school. If you suspect your child is a victim of bullying, please contact
their school immediately.
Read more here on how to identify if your child is a victim of bullying:
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Twinkl has a collection of teaching resources to educate children
about cyberbullying, examples of cyberbullying and ways you can
deal with it. Access the resources here:
Cyberbullying PowerPoint presentation
Teach your children how to spot bullying and actions they
can take
Cyberbullying activity worksheets
Use these activity worksheets to help your child understand
more about cyberbullying - how it can impact them and
others.
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The pandemic has shifted our perspective of screen time and our
dependence on technology has increased in order to stay connected.
Schools across the world adopted an alternative way of teaching: virtual
teaching. This involves children learning through the use of technology
rather than face-to-face or physical classes. Thus, screen time has
indubitably increased for young learners.
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The pandemic has made us more dependent on social media to stay
connected with people. It is crucial to have open communication with our
children on the dangers of social media and this includes - being kind to
others, never giving out personal information and being mindful of what
they post.
Read more here to find out how to help your child stay safe on social
media:
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Know who your Encourage your child Teach your child on
child’s online friends to always be kind and the dangers of the
are think before sharing internet
online
Never let your child Teach your child to Always be a good
meet a stranger never share any digital role model to
they met online personal your children
information
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Misinformation
‘Fake News’ is what it says in the title: news that is fake/not true/made
up. It works by shocking people into reading it in the same way that
gossip works.
According to research from Natterhub, 54% of children aged 10-11 say
that they would fact-check on more than 2 websites when using a search
engine. Educating children on fake news and how to fact-check
information is vital.
Read more about the top tips for spotting fake news here:
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Useful Contacts and Information
Childline South Africa
Free calls for children or on children's behalf to report issues or discuss
concerns. Provide counselling or referrals to social services and/or Police in
emergencies
Call 116
South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG)
Free advice and referrals for mental health awareness. Advice and referral
information on a variety of issues including cyberbullying.
Call 0800 567 567
Project Braveheart
Registered NPC aiming to curb bullying in schools, workplaces and beyond.
Supports community initiatives and individuals in anti-bullying campaigns.
[email protected]
Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA)
Free information and guidance on internet safety and protection for children,
teens and adults.
https://ispa.org.za/safety/
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References
Thank you to Natterhub for providing the infographics and
statistics in this guide. Natterhub's 2021 report, 'How do
children really feel about being online?', gathered anonymous
data from primary aged pupils about their experiences of
being online.
Natterhub has an extensive library of 350+ interactive
lessons, quizzes, assignments and activities for teaching
children aged 5-11 about online safety and positive screen
behaviours. Creating maximum impact in the classroom with
all tracking, lesson plans and assessment taken care of,
Natterhub also saves teachers time.
Safer Internet Day: https://www.saferinternetday.org/
Anti-Bullying Week: How To Handle Bullying In Schools:
https://www.twinkl.co.za/blog/anti-bullying-week-ways-
to-help-prevent-and-handle-bullying-in-schools
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