Online Stranger Danger
Year 6 to 10 parents
We all fear the frightening story of Michelangelo Huezo, 36, a Canadian man who groomed a 14-year-old Perth girl online before inviting her in his hotel room. It is becoming harder for parents to shield their children from strangers because of a new generation of multiplayer games and chat services that blur the line between socialising and gaming. The walled gardens of social media, to which access can be tightly controlled, are giving way to open worlds where friends and strangers mingle.
Top 5 tips to keep kids safe online
Have regular open conversations
Supervision is essential
Be there if your child needs help
Know the privacy settings
Understand how to report
Source: thinkuknow.org.au
Question: How familiar are you with the social media and gaming apps you child is using?
Casper Pieters PhD Dip Ed is an author and educator who uses adventure narratives to enliven the ICT curriculum for young people. www.casperpieters.com
