Do Parents Understand The Need For Online Safety?
I would say that in the last year, great strides have been made in helping parents become more aware of the dangers that the Internet can pose to children and teens. However, this does not mean that a large number of parents actually understand and fully grasp their role in keeping their children safe online. In the US, perhaps, this awareness is much higher as compared to the United Kingdom.
This is in fact what PC Alan Williams is trying to achieve or even surpass, as he continues with his efforts to create an awareness in the parents of his students. This school police officer has created a presentation that highlights the potential dangers of the Internet to children and has been conducting workshops targeted towards parents. The Clacton Gazette wrote a story on him and his activities:
PC Alan Williams, who is based at Clacton County High School, has delivered a hard-hitting internet presentation to 1,200 students at the secondary school over the last 18 months.
He also put together a 90-minute presentation for parents after finding there was nothing being done in the area to educate parents.
The hard-hitting compilation was unsuitable for minors due to the very emotive way it highlights the risks, according to PC Williams.
He has vowed to continue to raise awareness about the issue despite being disappointed at the number of parents that attended workshops.
Obviously, I have not had the chance to view this presentation as I am not in his area, but the idea that it is “hard-hitting” appeals to me. This is not because I am some sort of masochistic person but I do believe that a frank and realistic message is what is needed by some people. The Internet is such a convenient tool and seemingly harmless at the same time that we tend to take it for granted. In doing so, it is very easy to overlook the fact that there are people out there who take advantage of the average person’s “innocence” and belief in the goodness of others. That is why I think that presentations such as the one Williams created are necessary to awaken vigilance and concern. As Williams himself said:
I do have concerns at the lack of parents that show for these sessions aimed at protecting their children from online abuse..
Until they see this they don’t fully understand what the risks are - this is always being pointed out to me by parents who have seen it.
Some of the advice I give to parents is basic stuff, such as show an interest in what your child does online, asking them to teach you about the applications they use, keeping the PC in a family room so they can be monitored and tell them not to give out personal information.
I am wondering if there is any way that this presentation can be shared to parents in the United States.
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Posted on December 22nd, 2008 by Deborah J Thomas
Filed under: Administrators, High School, Internet, K-6, News, Parents, People Involved, School Grade Level, School Safety Issues
Parents totally don’t understand… not yet. But we are hoping to change that.
This week we are giving away our PC Pandora monitoring software for free. You can get details here: http://blog.pcpandora.com/2008/12/23/pandora-corp-announces-pc-pandora-free-holiday-giveaway/ .
I strongly urge all parents to check out and learn about the various ways in which this tool can help you keep your kids safer online. From helping to deter cyberbullying to preventing your child from visiting certain websites and talking to strangers, monitoring software gives you the control back in your house. It gives you all the knowledge you need about your child’s Internet activity so that you can be a more effective and better informed 21st century parent. Check us out and help yourself while the offer stands and there are free copies left!!
Here’s to making the Internet a safer place in 2009!
Thank you for this information - I am about to write a post and this gave me an idea to help get the word out.
[...] well. This kind of software was actually brought to my attention by a comment in one of my posts. KenS from PC Pandora said: Parents totally don’t understand… not yet. But we are hoping to change [...]
Hi, I am PC Williams and having searched google this evening I was surprised to find my “quotes” which were in a local UK paper published on this website. It’s nice to know my concerns are reaching behond the UK and others are also trying to educate parents, as they do not fully understand how much goes on out there on the web. In regards to the comment about sharing this with parents in the US, I would gladly share this information… provide a return air ticket from the UK I would even come in person!!!..
Regards PC Alan Williams (Essex Police).
ps… I can be contacted at alan.williams@countyhigh.org.uk , thanks.. PC Alan Williams (Essex Police).