Following the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria, several State governments have found ways to keep up with education, meaning that more children are finding their way online.
With an estimated 1.5 billion children out of school around the world and widespread social distancing measures keeping children confined to their homes, education and socialization have moved online.
Not only are many additional children joining the online world for the first time, but children are also spending longer time online than ever before.
Facebook, meanwhile, reports new usage records almost every day across all of its platforms. In places hit hardest by the virus, messaging, voice and video calling have more than doubled on its Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp platforms.
For many children, the global lockdown has also meant going online earlier than may have been expected. One parent explained to ITU News that the sudden shift to home schooling has meant that their children – aged 9 and 11 – have been given used mobile phones earlier than planned, simply so that they can keep up to date with schoolwork, educational activities and friends in this extraordinary time.
For many parents, the question of how to ensure their children’s online safety is now more pressing than ever before. What can parents do to minimize online risk? Here are some tips from the upcoming updated version of ITU’s Guidelines for Parents, Carers, Guardians, and Educators for Child Online Protection.
Set up parental controls
All leading browsers (Google, Safari, Firefox, Bing, Duck Duck Go) include a parental control mode; make sure you turn it on, and also check the individual privacy settings on apps and games. Some internet service providers and mobile operators provide additional parental control tools, which block or restrict access to certain types of content, as well as limiting the amount of time spent on devices.
Discuss online safety with your children
Talk with your children about online safety and be aware of the online and mobile services they are using. Help them understand the importance of managing personal information in the correct way. Ask children to show what they enjoy doing online, in order to better understand their habits and the potential dangers they face.
Help your children be tech ready
Help children set up a strict privacy setting and check if they know how to report inappropriate content.
Stay aware of the online and mobile services used by your children
Spend time with your children online. Check on the technology your children use regularly. Find out about what they are doing online, what new tools and apps they might be using. Select online tools and content together, and discuss why certain tools and apps might not be appropriate.
Know how to report problems and seek help
When playing online games or using apps children can be exposed to serious risks like cyberbullying and grooming. Show children the blocking and reporting functions in each game and app, so that they can prevent bullies or strangers from contacting them.
Create a culture of support so that children and young people feel comfortable seeking help
Open dialogue and discussion are crucial. The way adults react has a critical influence on children’s readiness to disclose if they are upset, worried or concerned by something they have seen or that has happened to them online. Research has shown that many young people are reluctant to speak to an adult about a negative online experience for fear of the consequences. Be alert of any sign of distress.
Manage children’s screen time
It is important to set boundaries and limits for online activities where possible. Build safe online habits and find a balance between online time and other activities.