In a world where 22 per cent of parents in Australia admit they have no control over their young children’s and teens’ online activities, the issue of protection from cyber bullying is of major concern.
This is especially alarming as 78 per cent of parents claim to control their children’s computer use, yet just one in three has internet filtering in place.
Craig Kennedy, owner of Point Cook and Moonee Ponds Telstra stores, believes BigPond Security can help monitor children’s online behaviour.
“Cyber bullying is a scary prospect for both children and parents,” he says. “According to 2008 Microsoft/Galaxy research, 31 per cent of 14 to 17 year olds have experienced cyber bullying — that’s a daunting statistic.
“So what can parents do to ensure their child’s online safety? Firstly, they need to communicate with their kids and get involved and familiar with technology.”
Telstra Safe Social is a BigPond Security feature that alerts parents when:
■ The conversation on a child’s account ‘turns nasty’, which can indicate cyber bullying
■ Words being used in their child’s feed indicate something of concern might happen
■ The photos or videos they are watching might be unsuitable
■ They add new friends, especially those ‘out of their network’ or potentially age-inappropriate
Parental Control, Mr Kennedy says, is another BigPond Security feature that can give parents further peace of mind.
“There are easy-to-understand protection policies tailored to ensure young kids and teens are accessing websites suitable for their age. It allows them to connect only when parents think it’s suitable.”
Parents are encouraged to report cyber bullying to their child’s school and to their internet service provider.
Anti-phishing is another BigPond Security feature that parents may find helpful.
“Children can unknowingly place themselves in risky situations by posting personal information online. Once it’s done, it can be very difficult to remove.
“This can include their name or address, photos, a mobile phone number, school name and details of friends and family.”
Parents are welcome to call into either store to discuss their cyber needs and concerns. Well-trained staff can offer advice about products and explain their applications and associated costs.
Visit the new government website cybersmart.gov.au for excellent information on keeping children safe online.
Telstra Store, at Shop 333, Point Cook town centre, 2 Main and Murnong Street in Point Cook.
The store opens 9am-5.30pm Monday-Wednesday; 9am-7pm Thursday-Friday; 9am-5pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday.
Inquiries: 83487755
