- While many online users behave positively and respectfully, there are inappropriate behaviours that a child may encounter such as swearing or being abusive, bullying, harassing behaviour, and sharing content designed to upset others.
- Some behaviours online may also break the law or have the potential to be illegal – these include threats to harm or kill, scamming or theft, sale of illegal products, hateful content, and the grooming/exploitation of children.
- There are also crimes that are unique to the internet, such as hacking (using technology to force access into online accounts or networks to steal money or information) and creating or using malware (malicious software such as viruses and trojans)
- Alongside illegal behaviours are other behaviours that have the potential to cause harm (intended or unintended) – these include risky dares/challenges, content that promotes self-harm in any form, and content that promotes harming other people.
Advice:
- It is important not to overreact if your child tells you about something that has gone wrong online. Responding with anger or disapproval will make them less likely to approach you for help with online issues in the future. It is best to first listen and provide help and support.
- Explore the reporting tools available on the games and apps your child uses – these can be used to report any content or behaviour you deem to be inappropriate or illegal. You can also work with your child to explore and understand any privacy settings available on apps and games to restrict who can communicate with them.
- Look out for other settings that can help manage your child’s experience online e.g. disabling voice chat on games/apps where a lot of bad language may be used by other users.
- Remind your child to always tell you or another trusted adult if they see or experience anything online that makes them worried or upset.
- Discuss with your child their own behaviour online and try to be aware of what they do online. If you have any concerns about your child’s behaviour that may put themselves or others at risk, then seek further help and advice – this could be from your child’s school, health professional or another organisation.
- If you or your child ever encounter illegal behaviour online, always report it to the service provider and also contact law enforcement.