Internet Safety for Parents: Empowering Safe and Positive Online Experiences
The internet plays a significant role in our children’s lives, offering opportunities for learning, connecting with friends, and exploring the world. However, it also presents risks that parents must be equipped to navigate. This guide provides essential advice on internet safety, focusing on phishing, false information, parental controls, artificial intelligence (AI), and helpful tools. All information in this guide is sourced from Webwise.ie. Check out their Parents Hub for more resources.
Phishing: A Growing Threat
Phishing is a deceptive practice where fraudsters try to access confidential information like bank details or passwords. Phishing messages often appear to be from trustworthy sources, such as banks or service providers, and use urgency to prompt immediate action. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, phishing attacks surged, exploiting people’s fears and trust in organizations like the World Health Organization.
Tips to Protect Against Phishing:
- Be cautious of unexpected emails asking for personal information or prompting you to click on links.
- Verify sender details and avoid generic greetings in emails.
- Never click on suspicious links or download unknown attachments.
- Use spam filters to reduce unwanted emails.
- Teach your children to share suspicious messages with you and discuss how to recognize scams.
Understanding False Information
False or misleading information spreads rapidly online, often fueled by sensational headlines or viral posts. Parents need to help children critically evaluate the information they encounter.
Why False Information is Created:
- To mislead or influence public opinion.
- To generate revenue through “clickbait” content.
- Genuine mistakes or lack of verification by creators.
Spotting False Information:
- Check the source: Verify the URL and explore the site’s credibility.
- Read beyond the headline: Sensational headlines often misrepresent the content.
- Examine images: Images can be altered or used out of context.
- Cross-check facts: Verify information using reputable fact-checking sites like Snopes or Politifact.
- Acknowledge biases: Recognize how your own views might influence what you believe.
Artificial Intelligence: A Powerful Tool
Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, is becoming a significant part of digital interactions. AI can assist with learning, problem-solving, and creativity, but it is essential to understand its uses and limitations.
What is AI? AI refers to computer systems trained to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, and generating content. ChatGPT is one such tool, capable of answering questions, writing essays, generating ideas, and more.
Limitations of AI:
- Lack of Contextual Understanding: AI generates responses based on patterns, not genuine understanding.
- Risk of Misinformation: AI may provide inaccurate or biased information.
- Ethical Concerns: Over-reliance on AI for schoolwork can lead to plagiarism or lack of critical thinking.
Warnings About AI for Homework and Exams: AI tools can generate essays and answers that appear original but are based on pre-existing data. While they can be helpful for generating ideas or explaining concepts, using AI to complete homework or state examination tasks is unethical and may result in disciplinary action. Students are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and writing skills independently, ensuring their work reflects their own understanding and effort.
Safety Tips for AI Use:
- Guide your child to use AI responsibly for educational purposes and not as a shortcut for assignments.
- Discuss privacy and remind them not to share personal information on AI platforms.
- Enable parental controls or monitor usage to ensure safe interactions.
Setting Up Parental Controls
Parental controls can help manage your child’s online activities, providing an additional layer of safety. However, they are not foolproof and must be combined with open communication.
Features of Parental Controls:
- Limit screen time.
- Block or restrict specific apps, websites, or content.
- Monitor your child’s online activity.
How to Set Up Parental Controls:
- Internet Service Providers: Most offer free parental control options.
- Operating Systems: Windows, Apple, and Chrome OS provide built-in controls.
- Smartphones and Tablets: Both Android and Apple devices allow restrictions on app usage, purchases, and content.
- Browsers and Search Engines: Activate Safe Search features on Google, Bing, and YouTube.
- Video Platforms: Use YouTube Kids or Netflix’s maturity settings.
Talking to Children About Internet Safety
Regular, open conversations about online safety are the best way to support your child. Discuss topics such as:
- Recognizing scams and phishing attempts.
- Evaluating the reliability of online information.
- Protecting personal information.
- Using tools like ChatGPT responsibly for learning and creativity.
Encourage critical thinking with the STOP, THINK, CHECK approach to verify information before accepting it as accurate. Explore tools and platforms like ChatGPT together to understand its benefits and limitations. Teach responsible use and ethical behavior online.
Resources and Support
Webwise.ie provides a wealth of resources to help parents navigate internet safety. From detailed guides on parental controls to tips on identifying false information, their Parents Hub is an invaluable tool.
