An expert has warned of the major issues that children face when going online, as part of Safer Internet Day.
Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafe Kids, says that there are several risks that parents should be aware of, a major one being cyberbullying.
“A big issue is cyberbullying, it could involve kids being left of group chats or kids receiving mean messages and impersonating them online is another issue," she told Dublin Live.
However, cyberbullying is just one concern for parents. Content like porn and violence is also a problem.
“We don’t know how this content will impact their developing mind," says Alex.
“There’s also exposure to inappropriate content like grooming, there was an increase with cases of that over lockdown when children were online."
Alex says parents can tackle these issues and prepare their children to use the internet safely.
“There are opportunities and risks with the internet. We’re pro children developing good digital skills but there are risks and it’s really important that we prepare them for these risks.
“Any other area of a child's life, learning to ride a bike, crossing a road, there’s opportunities and risks in all those things, but we educate, prepare them and talk to them, so I think that we need that same kind of structure around children in regards to them being online.
“As it stands, they’re not well prepared for an online journey. 93 percent of children we studied have a smartphone, it’s not a family device, it belongs to them. All these children are between the ages of eight and 12. Age restrictions online aren’t working.”
“We need an ongoing process to tackle that, we want it to be a core part of the education system. We want parents to prepare their children for it too and we want to provide the support to protect them.”
Safer Internet Day. takes place on February 8. To find out more click here.
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