Kids safe online

The internet can be a fun, educational and rewarding experience. Many children access the internet to help with their homework, research, chat and send instant messages to their friends and others they have met online.

When you meet someone in person or talk face-to-face you can be certain that the person you are communicating with is who they say they are. This is more difficult on the internet, particularly for children who tend to be more naïve and trusting, and therefore more open to meeting predatory individuals online. Children are more likely than adults to fall prey to strangers posing as someone who they would like to meet and interact with. Children could also inadvertently access sites that contain inappropriate material, such as pornography, racism or depictions of violence.

Parents need to make sure they take a few extra measures to ensure their children are protected when online.

What you can do

Visit NetAlert website. It is a comprehensive, up-to-date website that explains how to keep children as safe as possible online. The NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online initiative will also provide you with a free internet content filter to manage your family’s online environment to provide a safe and enjoyable online experience.

NetAlert’s aim is to help you keep your family safe on the internet, by giving practical advice, information and resources to keep your family's online activities safe and enjoyable. The website also has advice and resources for Teachers and Librarians.

The NetAlert web site provides information dealing with a range of issues to do with children using the Internet:

NetAlert has also developed a number of websites for children to use, which contain resources to help them learn about the issues that are affecting them in a fun and accessible way: Netty's World (2–7), CyberQuoll (8–12), CyberNetrix (13–16), and WiseUptoIT (youth).

Further information

There are many sources of information about how to keep children safe online. The following sources are all legitimate websites.

NetAlert

Ring the NetAlert helpline on 1800 880 176 if you need some advice on internet safety.

This number will be answered by live operators 8:00am - 10:00pm seven days per week. (This is a free call for landline calls, however, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.) If you do need to leave a message be sure to include your STD code and a convenient time to call you back.

You can also contact NetAlert by using their website enquiries and feedback form.

The NetAlert website is filled with advice and resources to download on internet safety. Free materials such as A Parent's Guide to internet Safety, internet safety brochures, information sheets and family help sheets (contracts and house rules) for parents are freely available. The website also contains information about the types of computer programs available to help parents control access, filter inappropriate websites or monitor their children's activity when they are on the internet.

Netty's World (2-7)

Netty is the star of a website designed to help young children learn about internet safety. Netty lives on the internet in Netty's World and guides children through a range of internet safety issues through Netty's Net Adventure. There are five themes for children to discover, Exploring the Net; Getting things off the Net; Using smart phones; Putting work on the Net; and Making friends on the Net.

CyberQuoll (8-12)

CyberQuoll is an internet safety program for primary aged children and contains six computer based activities. Each activity focuses on an internet safety issue that children are likely to encounter. It also has resources for teachers.

CyberNetrix (13-16)

CyberNetrix is an internet safety education program for secondary school aged students. It forms part of the NetAlert CyberSafe Schools program and contains interactive activities for children to use.

WiseuptoIT (Youth)

Wise Up to IT explores the lives of four young people and their experiences on the internet. Four situations. Four victims. Four stories. Many strategies. The website contains video footage for youth as well as other advice and resources.

Australian Communications and Media Authority

This website explains what parents can do to protect their children from some of the risks of using the internet and what to do about offensive content on the internet.

Internet Safety Education for Primary Schools

This is a website for primary schools and has resources for teachers

Cybersmart Kids

This site provides advice on safe internet surfing as well as fun activities for the kids.

Australian High Tech Crime Centre

They cover topics such as:

What can parents/guardians do?
Personal privacy
Personal safety
Identifying signs that a child may be at risk

More information on reporting in this area can be found on the Net Alert website