An East Yorkshire based wireless internet service provider is advising parents to take greater responsibility when children are online, by promoting Safer Internet Day.
Celebrated around the world on Tuesday 6 February 2018, this year’s theme is Create, connect and share respect: a better internet starts with you.
The UK Safer Internet Centre says that Everyone has their part to play in making the internet a better place and Quickline Communications, a company that specialises in connecting communities with wireless internet connectivity, is raising awareness on how to support children and ensure they stay safe and positive online.
Hayley Silvester from Quickline says:
“Obviously there are many benefits of being online and for children to have access to the internet. However, many parents just don’t know what their children are getting up to online.”
“It is now completely normal for toddlers and young children to use mobile devices to watch Youtube and other websites but inappropriate content is easily accessible and could be extremely upsetting for a child to see. However there are some simple controls that parents can install so their child can use the internet and not worry about what they might come across.”
“We hope parents are encouraged to talk to their older children about how they use technology, discuss their favourite sites and how using it makes them feel.”
“Children can no longer leave their friendships in the playground, online friends are in the home via social media. Talking to children about having downtime away from these devices can help to reduce stress and improve mental health.”
“The UK Safer Internet Centre says that it can sometimes feel like young people are the experts in all things online, but parents can rely on a number of resources to help communicate with their children about the dangers that are out there.”
