PARENT TIP OF THE MONTH
APRIL 2024
STOP, BLOCK, TELL.
The Internet can be a terrific resource for young children, but it can also hold its dangers. Zeeko have come up with their own Safe Cross Code for the Internet.
It is called STOP, BLOCK, TELL.
It is called STOP, BLOCK, TELL.
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WHAT IS “STOP, BLOCK, TELL?”
The following text is from zeeko.ie STOP The first step is to stop the content coming into your phone or computer. If a child feels something is not right – even if they are not sure why – the first step is always to stop it. That means not replying to a post, not sharing a post, comment or photo. It also means not writing something like “go away” or “leave me alone”. |
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BLOCK
Every child who is using Snapchat, Tik Tok (yes we know it’s for over 13s but that doesn’t stop primary school children using it), or Instagram should know how to block a user who is bothering them. It’s an easy thing to do, and a child who knows how to do this is being empowered to take care of themselves, an important part of the Zeeko approach to internet security. Blocking a user means they can no longer contact you, and there is also a facility to report a user. We believe that reporting should be a last resort, such as persistent unsolicited contact from a stranger. Our Zeeko guide to Internet Security includes a section showing you how to block users if you wish to.
Every child who is using Snapchat, Tik Tok (yes we know it’s for over 13s but that doesn’t stop primary school children using it), or Instagram should know how to block a user who is bothering them. It’s an easy thing to do, and a child who knows how to do this is being empowered to take care of themselves, an important part of the Zeeko approach to internet security. Blocking a user means they can no longer contact you, and there is also a facility to report a user. We believe that reporting should be a last resort, such as persistent unsolicited contact from a stranger. Our Zeeko guide to Internet Security includes a section showing you how to block users if you wish to.
TELL
The third step we teach a child is to tell someone if you are worried or upset about anything you have seen on the Internet, including social media. That person can be a member of your family, but ideally an adult or trusted person who will take action for you. This might be a website with inappropriate material, or – more likely – a comment or photograph on social media that has upset the child. So showing someone not only means you are sharing the worry it might have caused you, it also means someone can reassure you and protect you. Being a victim of cyberbullying can sometimes mean you are afraid to speak out; but telling someone is the first step to solving the problem. We encourage adults to help children to discuss with their child how he or she feels about a negative online experience.
The third step we teach a child is to tell someone if you are worried or upset about anything you have seen on the Internet, including social media. That person can be a member of your family, but ideally an adult or trusted person who will take action for you. This might be a website with inappropriate material, or – more likely – a comment or photograph on social media that has upset the child. So showing someone not only means you are sharing the worry it might have caused you, it also means someone can reassure you and protect you. Being a victim of cyberbullying can sometimes mean you are afraid to speak out; but telling someone is the first step to solving the problem. We encourage adults to help children to discuss with their child how he or she feels about a negative online experience.
PARENT TIP OF THE MONTH
MARCH 2024
KID FRIENDLY SOCIAL NETWORKS
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If your child is eager to start tweeting, posting or sharing but you feel they’re not ready to use the likes of Snapchat or Instagram, then there are a number of alternative social networks made for children that you can point them to.
These offer child-friendly features like games and contests but also give you a chance to use them as teaching tool to get them sharing safely. Ultimately, these social networks give children a safer environment where they can share their experiences and engage with friends they know.
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parent webinar
PARENT TIP OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY 2024
Get involved in safer internet day 2024!
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Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people.
It is promoted in Ireland by the PDST Technology in Education and Webwise. Click here to find out more. SAVE THE DATE: Safer Internet Day 2024 takes place on Tuesday, February 6th! Click here or on image below for more information and to register for parent webinar on online safety. |
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PARENT TIP OF THE MONTH
JANUARY 2024
ENSURING YOUR KIDS ARE DIGITALLY LITERATE
For all the negative press the online world receives it is very important that kids are digitally literate and feel empowered to make informed choices to help them stay safe when they are online.
www.zeeko.com
One of the key principals of the work that Zeeko do is to help kids to become good digital citizens, in other words to develop the skills to make smart choices when they are online and to know how to be savvy when they are operating in the digital world.
These skills can also be known as digital literacy skills.
www.zeeko.com
One of the key principals of the work that Zeeko do is to help kids to become good digital citizens, in other words to develop the skills to make smart choices when they are online and to know how to be savvy when they are operating in the digital world.
These skills can also be known as digital literacy skills.
Free online safety live webinars for parents
February 2024
Thursday 8th of February – 7pm until 8pm
Register here.
Wednesday 28th of February – 11am – 12pm
Register here.
February 2024
Thursday 8th of February – 7pm until 8pm
Register here.
Wednesday 28th of February – 11am – 12pm
Register here.
PARENT TIP OF THE MONTH
DECEMBER 2023
Bullying of any kind is an awful experience for a child to go through but cyber-bullying is especially insidious because there’s no physical escape from it. Talk to your child about being vigilant against bullying online and standing up for others by reporting it to an adult. Remember, when children see something that is potentially hurtful or embarrassing to another child they should STOP, BLOCK and TELL.
You can refer to our Acceptable Use Policy and our Code of Behaviour on our policies page. The Acceptable Use policy outlines correct "Netiquette" for children to follow when using the internet in school. Our Code of Behaviour outlines what constitutes cyber-bullying and the steps the school will take to address any instances of this.
Below is a child-friendly video explaining what cyber-bullying is that you can watch with your child.
You can refer to our Acceptable Use Policy and our Code of Behaviour on our policies page. The Acceptable Use policy outlines correct "Netiquette" for children to follow when using the internet in school. Our Code of Behaviour outlines what constitutes cyber-bullying and the steps the school will take to address any instances of this.
Below is a child-friendly video explaining what cyber-bullying is that you can watch with your child.
PARENT TIP OF THE MONTH
NOVEMBER 2023
DIGITAL CONTRACTS
Is your child spending too much time online? Watch the webwise video and then click on the links below for information about creating a digital contract with your child.
One great way to negotiate and manage the use of technology is to create a digital contract with your children.
novemBER 2023 PARENT WEBINARS
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Barnardos host regular webinars on online safety for parents.
November Webinar:
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PARENT TIP OF THE MONTH
OCTOBER 2023
HOW TO SET UP PARENTAL CONTROLS
ON ALL YOUR DEVICES
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Parental controls are available on most Internet-enabled devices including computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming systems. Parental controls can help reduce the risk of your child encountering inappropriate content when they are online. When enabling parental controls, use age-appropriate settings to filter, monitor and block your child’s activities. We recommend using parental controls especially for younger children all available devices, computers, and tablets in the home. (www.webwise.ie)
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october 2023 parent webinars
Barnardos host regular webinars on online safety for parents.
October Webinars:
October Webinars:
- Wednesday, the 25th of October. Register here.
Parent tip of the month
september 2023
youtube safety mode
advice from webwise.ie
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YouTube has massive learning potential for young people with educational videos that can contribute to learning across a range of subjects. However, there is also mature content which we would prefer our children didn’t see.
What is YouTube Safety Mode?
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The setting filters search results to remove videos with mature content or videos that have been age restricted, meaning that such content will not show up in video searches, related videos, playlists, shows or movie sections.
While no filtering system is 100 per cent accurate, Webwise recommends that parents of young children enable this feature.
While no filtering system is 100 per cent accurate, Webwise recommends that parents of young children enable this feature.
general information for parents
talk to your child about internet safety
Webwise app explainer guides
It can be difficult to keep up with the latest apps and platforms your child is using, but the Webwise Explainer Guides are straight forward, jargon free, way for parents to stay up-to-date!
Parents' guide to a better internet
"In every aspect of development, from learning to cross the road, ride a bike or swim, parents teach, guide and support their children. It should be no different when it comes to their online lives. This booklet has been developed to support you as you support your child to be safer online." www.webwise.ie
This article from Zeeko.ie is a very worthwhile read for all parents. The Internet Safety Guide for parents and teachers in free to download and is full of resources to help adults to empower their children with the tools to protect themselves online.
Unfortunately, the cyber element to bullying is a growing concern for parents and schools. There was a time when bullying was confined to face to face interaction. With the growing use of digital communication, the cyber element to bullying is only increasing. What can you do to support your child if they become the victim of online bullying and in general what can you do to help your child to stay safe online? Cyberbullying involves using technology to bully people. It can include texting, instant messaging, and posting content on social media and gaming websites.
As always, communication is of paramount importance. Having an open communication style with your children in relation to what they are doing when they are online is the foundation of a healthy relationship with the digital world. It is far more likely that your child will confide in you if they are used to having regular conversations with you about their online life. It can of course happen that your child may unfortunately be experiencing cyberbullying and may not initially tell you about it. It may be brought to your attention by another parent or by your child’s school.
While the cyber element of bullying is relatively new, sadly bullying is not. One of the most insidious elements of cyberbullying is the fact that it can be very difficult to avoid or get a break from. Through our work at Zeeko we regularly hear from parents that this is a huge concern for them. The potential relentless nature of cyberbullying is very different from the types of bullying that parents may have experienced during their own childhood and adolescence.
Once you become aware that your child is being cyberbullied it is important that you keep a record of the messages and/or conversations that your child has been having. Depending on the nature of them you can report the bullying to your internet service provider. This is also an appropriate time to revisit the safety settings across any digital devices that your child is using. If your child is being bullied via calls and/or text messaging, you can also report this to your mobile phone provider. Remind your child of the importance of the basics of staying safe online which is the STOP, BLOCK, TELL. This is especially important during a time when you and your child are working together to deal with an incident or incidents of cyberbullying.
Parents often find great support in discussing an issue like cyberbullying with another parent, sharing experiences and getting practical advice. It is also a good idea to let your child’s teacher and/or the school principal know about what is happening. Sometimes, cyberbullying can happen with people not known to your child but sometimes it can also involve people who are known to your child. A growing number of schools have an anti-bullying policy which can include a specific section dealing with cyberbullying. Schools are also developing acceptable use policies in regarding the use of technology in schools. Both types of policies can be a useful guide for you and the school in dealing with cyberbullying.
What is crucial is that your child knows that all the adults around them are working collaboratively to find a solution and that will ensure that they are protected and safe. Bullying in any form can be frightening and extremely upsetting. Encourage your child to take some time away from digital devices. Learning and knowing that there is an off switch to technology can be a very powerful tool that will stand to them now and in the future.
(www.zeeko.ie March 20, 2019 Written by michelle)
As always, communication is of paramount importance. Having an open communication style with your children in relation to what they are doing when they are online is the foundation of a healthy relationship with the digital world. It is far more likely that your child will confide in you if they are used to having regular conversations with you about their online life. It can of course happen that your child may unfortunately be experiencing cyberbullying and may not initially tell you about it. It may be brought to your attention by another parent or by your child’s school.
While the cyber element of bullying is relatively new, sadly bullying is not. One of the most insidious elements of cyberbullying is the fact that it can be very difficult to avoid or get a break from. Through our work at Zeeko we regularly hear from parents that this is a huge concern for them. The potential relentless nature of cyberbullying is very different from the types of bullying that parents may have experienced during their own childhood and adolescence.
Once you become aware that your child is being cyberbullied it is important that you keep a record of the messages and/or conversations that your child has been having. Depending on the nature of them you can report the bullying to your internet service provider. This is also an appropriate time to revisit the safety settings across any digital devices that your child is using. If your child is being bullied via calls and/or text messaging, you can also report this to your mobile phone provider. Remind your child of the importance of the basics of staying safe online which is the STOP, BLOCK, TELL. This is especially important during a time when you and your child are working together to deal with an incident or incidents of cyberbullying.
Parents often find great support in discussing an issue like cyberbullying with another parent, sharing experiences and getting practical advice. It is also a good idea to let your child’s teacher and/or the school principal know about what is happening. Sometimes, cyberbullying can happen with people not known to your child but sometimes it can also involve people who are known to your child. A growing number of schools have an anti-bullying policy which can include a specific section dealing with cyberbullying. Schools are also developing acceptable use policies in regarding the use of technology in schools. Both types of policies can be a useful guide for you and the school in dealing with cyberbullying.
What is crucial is that your child knows that all the adults around them are working collaboratively to find a solution and that will ensure that they are protected and safe. Bullying in any form can be frightening and extremely upsetting. Encourage your child to take some time away from digital devices. Learning and knowing that there is an off switch to technology can be a very powerful tool that will stand to them now and in the future.
(www.zeeko.ie March 20, 2019 Written by michelle)
Below are FREE resources to create awareness and provide actionable insights for teachers, pupils and parents.
Click on the links to download:
Click on the links to download:
Pupil class presentation online friends (PowerPoint
Parent flyer online friends (Black & White
Parent flyer online friends (Colour
Family Internet contract (Black & White
Family Internet contract (Colour
Parent flyer online friends (Black & White
Parent flyer online friends (Colour
Family Internet contract (Black & White
Family Internet contract (Colour
Zeeko is creating a world where young people can safely benefit from technology and the Internet. Find out more about Internet Safety by visiting
www.zeeko.ie
www.zeeko.ie
