In this concluding piece on the efforts of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, in partnership with Cece Yara Foundation, advising parents and caregivers on how best to safeguard their children and wards from online risks, four other tips are presented for your consumption below:
Build trust by keeping communication open and supportive
- Your children know that they can come to you, if something goes wrong, or does not feel right online.
- Watch TV, play games and enjoy digital platforms with your children.
- Discuss online opportunities, entertainment, learning and risks.
Be the parent, offline and online, by setting limits, controls and standards
- Set time limits for all activities, including online activities. Balance screen time with other activities.
- Set location for device use. Where possible, use desktops, not mobile devices. Keep devices away from private locations, like bedrooms.
- Set up parental controls and filters, for harmful content.
- Have clear agreements on online activities.
- Be alert to signs of distress, or problems.
Be sure your child/children understand the ‘SMART RULES’
S: Safe- Do not give out personal information, when chatting, or uploading online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number and passwords.
M: Meeting- Meeting someone you have only been chatting with online can be unsafe.
A: Accepting- Accepting emails, IM messages, or opening files, pictures, or text messages, from people you don’t know, or trust can lead to problems; they may contain viruses or horrible messages.
R: Reliable- Someone online might lie about who they are and the information on the internet may not be true.
Always check information with other websites, books, or someone who is knowledgeable. If you like chatting online, it’s best to only chat with real world friends and family.
T: Tell- Tell your parents, or trusted adults if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable, or worried, or if you or someone you know is being bullied online.
Lead by example
- Use devices responsibly.
- Show respect in your online platform language and content.
- Help your children to develop digital intelligence and social and emotional skills, such as respect, empathy, critical thinking and resilience. Help your children to practice and become responsible online citizens.
For further inquiry on the above, please, contact the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and Cece Yara Foundation as follows:
- NCC Toll Free Line: 622
- Cece Yara Foundation: 08008008001 (for children, toll-free), 07007007001 (for adults, non toll-free)
Concluded.
Featured Image: nairametrics
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