Red Cross urges parents to discuss online safety with their kids
New study reveals potential for online exploitation and cyber bullying
Ottawa – February 9, 2007—A recent study that finds many kids are still unaware of the potential dangers of sharing personal information on the Internet has prompted the Canadian Red Cross to once again urge parents to talk to their kids about how to stay safe while online.
The Internet safety study, released January 24th by Microsoft Canada and Ipsos Reid, revealed that 70 percent of kids aged 10 to 14 believe the information they post online and send to friends is private and one-quarter say they would be comfortable meeting in person with someone they only knew and talked to online.
“These statistics show that parents need to reinforce smart online behaviour to protect their children from potential exploitation and cyber bullying,” says Sarah Smith, National Coordinator, Canadian Red Cross RespectED program. “Just as with children’s ‘offline’ activities, caregivers can take steps to help kids remain safe and empowered.”
Canadian youth are one of the world’s most active user groups of the Internet, according to an earlier survey on Internet use[1]. While the Internet can provide great opportunities for learning and fun, it can also open up new ways for people to exploit our kids. Approximately 1 in 5 children is sexually solicited online.[2]
The Microsoft/Ipsos Reid study reports that 11 percent of children have been asked by a stranger online for personal information such as their full name, home address, or phone number; 14 percent of kids in the 10-to-14 age group said someone they have never met in person has said something online that made them uncomfortable. Fortunately, 96 percent of parents have spoken with their children about dangers to be aware of online.[3] But ongoing discussions and monitoring as essential.
As an aid to parents and caregivers, Red Cross offers these “Top 3 Tips” to help protect your kids:
1. Talk to Your Kids
One of the most important things you can do to empower your children about online safety issues is to talk to them. Talk about the benefits and risks of the Internet. Make them feel that it’s OK to ask you questions or talk to you if they run into problems online. Build guidelines around Internet use just as you would for other activities. Be proactive in finding out who your kids are talking to online. Help them make smart decisions while they use the Internet.
2. Keep Your Computer in a Public Area
Keep your computer in a public area of your house, not in their bedroom or other area that is more private.
3. Never Reveal Personal Details Online
Talk to your kids about the importance of their personal information. They should never disclose personal details that would allow someone online to contact them in real life. This includes full name, address, phone/cell number or email address. It also includes things like their favourite hangout, restaurant, or places where they might be playing sports. Also, kids should never send photos of themselves over the Internet to someone they don’t know.
Last October, the Canadian Red Cross launched the campaign PyKO: Protect your Kids Online, focusing on the issue of online child exploitation during October: Child Abuse Prevention Month in Canada. Red Cross believes parents and caregivers can provide important guidance in teaching children and youth how to protect themselves online.
For more tips on how to safeguard your children’s online activities, visit www.redcross.ca/respectED.
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For more information:
Canadian Red Cross
Public Affairs
Tel: 613-740-1994
[1]Young Canadians in a Wired World: The Students’ View. Final Report. 2001
[2] David Finkelhor, Kimberly J. Mitchell, and Janis Wolak. Online Victimization: A Report on the Nation’s Youth, Alexandria, Virginia: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2000, page ix.
[3] Microsoft Canada and Ipsos Reid surveyed 1,000 children from age 10 to 14 and 600 parents of children age 10 to 14, focusing on stranger danger, cyber bullying and privacy issues: report released January 2007
Posted February 8, 2007
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