How to keep children safe while using the Internet?

Computers and the Internet are an important part of our lives today. With the giant steps of technological development, what was impossible yesterday, today is a necessity. Mobile phones are also part of this development. These are so widespread that it is easy to forget how sophisticated and powerful the technology is.

Along with positive changes come responsibilities and potential risks. We at One strive to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks in all ways, including this guideline to safe internet use.

This guideline advises children and parents, as well as provides information to the latter how they can keep their children safe when using the Internet. This guideline also makes a division by age groups of children for the risks that can appear for each age group and the ways that the parent or guardian can follow to minimize these risks.

Click here to view the leaflet.

Tips for parents

Email has become a part of life. It provides instant communication and the ability to attach photos, documents, tasks, etc.

• Be informed about the dangers that may come to children from and while using the Internet.
• Talk to your children. Ask the children what websites they visit online and who their friends are.
• Teach children about safety. Make sure your children know how to avoid the danger. Never post invitations, personal information or meet strangers.
• Help children look at online information with a critical eye. Not everything that appears on the Internet is true. Teach them to become smart users of information on the Internet.
• Treat your online information with a critical eye. Our children see everything we do. If you do not want your children to act like you online, you need to rethink the way you handle your information.
• Make sure to keep communication channels open. If your children think that you will take away their computer equipment or scold them, if they tell you something that will upset you, then they will not turn to you when they really need you.
• Check the Internet history on the computer regularly. This would help you learn what websites your child visits while using the Internet.
• Create "special users" on the computer for your children, also defining usage restrictions.
• Live their world. Download music, play an online game, create your profile on social networks. Not only will your child appreciate these, but you will also understand what is being treated.
• Report suspicious activities to the responsible authorities and ALO 116, the National Children's Advice Line.

Tips for children to make online surfing safer

• Never tell people you chat online your phone number, home address or school name, unless your parent or guardian gives you permission.
• Always be careful in online chat rooms. Even if the room says it is for kids only, it is not known that everyone there is a kid. It could be an adult or an older child trying to trick you.
• Never send photos or information related to your identity without first consulting your parent or guardian.
• Always ask a parent or guardian if you can attend chat rooms.
• Never date other people unless your parent/guardian comes with you to a meeting in a public place. The people you can chat online are not always as you think.
• Never open e-mail attachments unless they come from someone you know and trust. They may contain viruses and other programs that can damage information or programs on your computer.
• Always keep the password to yourself and do not share it with others.
• Never reply to inappropriate suggestive messages and always tell a parent/guardian if you receive one.
• Always stay away from websites that indicate you must be over 18. The warning is put in place to protect you.
• Always be aware that if someone makes you an offer that seems too good to be true, it is most likely a scam.