- By Rob Kelly
London Post’s Freelance Education Columnist.
Here’s the truth! Most of my students think I’m a card-carrying member of the ‘fun police’, but if that’s the cost of attempting to keep them safe online, I’ll carry it.
As a 21st century primary school teacher, part of my job requires me to teach what it means to be a ‘digital citizen’. I warn students of privacy and data breaches, the consequences of cyberbullying and the dangers of making ‘new friends’ online. My goal is to educate and inform, not to cause panic or create unnecessary anxiety.
However, the seriousness of the subject cannot be underestimated. After my classes, I am often faced with tears and disclosures from students about terrible things that have happened to them online.
One of the most concerning things I hear from students accessing social media or online video games rated 13+ is, ‘My parents allow me to use it.’ My response is, ‘I would like to meet with your parents because I don’t think they understand the risks involved.’
Of course, the truth is many parents don’t know the risks involved or how to handle the situation when something occurs . They don’t know what their children are playing or accessing online and they don’t realise the long-term cost of their ignorance.
eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant says “Parents, carers, educators, and the general public are increasingly concerned about the online safety of children, including very young children, but feel unsure about how to tackle these important issues head on.”
Take for example the popular video game Roblox. It looks like a fun world of interlocking plastic bricks and characters and parents could be forgiven for making the assumption that like Lego, Roblox is a child friendly thing. The truth is, when it comes to cyberbullying and eSafety, Roblox is one of the worst offenders, as children are exposed to ‘shoot and kill’ gameplay, horrific visuals, open chat spaces and other inappropriate virtual behaviours that should make any parent reach for the ‘delete’ button. The sexualisation of avatars is a disturbing development and reports of children as young as six-years-old being invited into ‘sex rooms’ by a ‘friend’ while playing the game is terrifying.
Fortnite is another online video game that is popular among pre-teens. It is indeed an entertaining distraction from daily chores and homework for children, but an important question for parents to consider asking themselves is what kind of online society the game is attempting to create? What are the implications for – and its effects upon – the children playing it?
If you have seen Fortnite being played, you would know it depicts considerable amounts of fantasy violence. Although the graphics are presented in a semi-cartoon and non-realistic way, there is growing concern that exposure to video game violence may have a long-term detrimental effect on a child’s development.
Combine these online games with chat spaces like Discord, Twitch, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat and suddenly a very ugly picture of the internet starts to emerge. Discord is renowned for abuse, racism, porn and identity theft. TikTok has the same problem and YouTube has so much inappropriate content on it, it’s difficult to know where to start.
If you’re seeking advice about how to keep your child safe online,, Julie Inman Grant suggests checking apps or games are age-appropriate, check for chat and live video functions and turn these off or switch to friends-only. Make sure your child is using devices in common areas of the home like the kitchen or lounge room and be actively engaged and co-play, ask questions and let them know you are there to support them if they feel uncomfortable or upset.
The big question is, do you want the innocence of your child’s childhood stolen by these games and apps? If the answer is no, there’s a simple solution. Delete them. You may see a tantrum, outburst or blow-up from your child, but consider the alternative. And the bigger question is, if a video game or online space is controlling the emotions of your child, why allow it to continue?
Similarly, if you allow your child access to age appropriate video games at home remember that restricting their screen time will help them develop other important life skills such as understanding boundaries, rules and expectations.
Experienced primary school teacher and parent blogger Fiona Froelich suggests that children between the age of five and ten should not be exposed to screens for more than an hour a day while children between the age of ten and twelve should not be exposed to any form of digital technology for more than two hours a day.
For parents with infants, it is recommended by the World Health Organisation that they avoid using technology altogether, as this is an important time for their social and emotional development.
If you allow your child to have independent access to online spaces, you’re taking a risk. They’re not safe!
