It’s unrealistic to keep children off the internet in 2017 and beyond. Children are digital natives and when at primary school age they are already going online for many reasons – learning, gaming and even social media. It’s unavoidable, and yes, there are dangers involved with such a connected lifestyle – but that doesn’t mean you need to wrap them in virtual cotton wool.
Just as we educated children about the dangers of playing in the street 20 years ago, it’s time to educate them about their new online playground. Ensuring your children know the perils of the net and how to avoid them is the key to a safe and enjoyable online experience.
That’s why AFB Bournemouth’s CST created the Connect With Care initiative. As experts in cyber security we feel it’s our duty to help support the digital education of children – and parents – on staying safe online.
How does Connect With Care work?
Connect With Care Internet Safety workshops look to educate young people on how to remain safe whilst using the internet.
Our one hour long classroom-based lessons look at what children use the internet for, and what information they should and should not share on the profiles they create on the numerous apps and websites they use.
Using small groups and classroom discussions, we look at the difference between personal and non-personal information and discuss why certain pieces of information about ourselves should not be shared online. The workshop also uses video to look at the dangers of having open profiles about us on the internet which share personal information.
Lastly, the lesson covers prevention methods of keeping away dangers associated with using the internet.