Matt Forde explains why the NSPCC's new campaign aims to help parents talk to their children about staying safe online
Dad, I took a photo of my willy and sent it to my friends and now everyone has seen it…”
When I saw our new Share Aware video I couldn’t help but think about my son being in Alex’s shoes. What would I do if he came to me and told me this? Or even more daunting, what if he was in this position and didn’t tell me?
My two boys have grown up with very different relationships with the internet. The internet was a work in progress and mobile phones weren’t on the Christmas shopping list when my eldest son was growing up. Our conversations about safety were focused on talking to strangers in the street and bullying at school.
We know the internet can be a great tool for children but it also brings dangers
When my youngest son hit primary seven he started to show an interest in social media. He has grown up at the height of social networking. He has a mobile phone, he uses the internet to finish his homework and it's cool to be online. Technology has advanced over the years and as a parent I find it difficult to keep up with.
At the NSPCC we recognise that online abuse of young people is one of the key child protection challenges facing our society today. We know the internet can be a great tool for children but it also brings dangers. And we know that parents can feel ten steps behind their children when it comes to technology.
Our Share Aware campaign is designed to untangle the web and empower parents to feel confident about talking to their children about online safety.
After speaking with almost 2,000 children at schools across the UK, we collected a list of 48 social networking sites, apps, and games commonly used. We asked a panel of over 500 Mumsnet members to review the list against a range of criteria, including whether unsuitable content could be easily found and how to adjust privacy settings and report concerns. The information has been compiled into a straight forward online guide to help parents start important conversations with their children about online safety and what information is appropriate to share online.
It may feel daunting, but you don't need to be an expert on the internet. When it comes to online safety, communication is a parent’s best tool. We want to help parents start those important conversations to help the internet become a safe playground for children and prevent them from ending up in Alex’s shoes.
Matt Forde is national head of service for NSPCC Scotland
