Weekly NDM story

Parents, don't panic. You can help your child stay safe online

If the increase in blackmail by webcam worries you, protect your child by taking an informed interest in their online life

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/20/parents-help-child-safe-online'A major reason why children don’t disclose online problems is fear that they’ll have the technology taken away from them, thereby taking away a large part of their social lives.' Photograph: Garry Wade /Getty

How parents should start a conversation with Children to ensure they're safety:

Three ways to open a conversation:

1. I know some young people talk about sex and even share sexual images online – what do you think about this?

2. Has anything ever happened to a friend online that's worried you?

3. What are the things that you do to keep yourself safe online?

Three things to say in the conversation:

1. Never share an image or do anything on a webcam you wouldn't be happy for family or friends to see.

2. If someone threatens you online tell someone you trust. You can talk to me about it and I'll understand.

3. If you do get into problems online, it's never too late to get help. We will understand. You won't be blamed.

Three things to do if your child tells you they've been blackmailed:

1. Believe your child and tell them you believe them. Their experience needs to be acknowledged and understood.

2. Don't blame them, and tell them you don't blame them. Even if they've engaged in risky behaviour – risk-taking is a normal part of adolescent development

3. Don't immediately ban them from the internet. Although you may need to take short-term safety steps, the best way for children to stay safe is by learning how to negotiate the online world.

Remember if your child has been hurt online, you'll also be affected. Find someone outside the situation to talk about how you're feeling. If your child does disclose they're being abused online or you're worried they might be, you can report it to Ceop at ceop.police.uk

This article highlights to increase in online sexual offending involving blackmail on webcam,  there was a lot of cyberbullying involved. Moreover, this allows parents to think the internet is a place where children shouldn't be allowed access too. Children don't disclose online problems as they fear that they'll have the technology taken away from them. This article tells parents how to prevent their children from experiencing problems over the internet, as they're able to take an active and informed role within their lives. Parents should be open with their children by having a conversation about their online life. This article wants children to be comfortable with their parents whilst talking about the online life. This is one of the ways relationships between parents and children will become strong.  

I believe it is vital for parents and children to have a strong relationship, especially about their lives. It is important children are able to come up to their parents and feel comfortable whilst talking to them about stuff. Children would only become comfortable talking to their parents if the parents make the first move. Parents should support their children and encourage them onto using sensible sites on the internet in order to avoid any harassment over the internet such as cyberbullying and sexual harassment. Furthermore, parents are the ones who should guide their children, they could even keep a parent lock on the computers so their children don't access any bad websites, which aren't appropriate. However, this may lead to the children being aggressive as they may not be able to access sites they want, such as Facebook, due to the parental lock. However, it would be for the childs best interest for them to stay away from Facebook, they should only be allowed to have access after doing their homework or a household chore as a reward. Even then parents should keep an eye out on what the child is doing on Facebook as they may be getting harassed or harassing others. Parents should keep a close eye on children over the internet until they're 14 I believe.