In a recent report, the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a global online charity, announced that 2021 will be the worst year on record for online child sexual abuse, as lockdowns have led to young children being targeted by internet groomers. Last year, the IWF took action against 252,000 websites worldwide containing unsafe images and videos of children.
Protecting children online, especially from incidents of online sexual abuse, requires not only understanding technology, but understanding your child is even more important.
In a webinar following the signing of the MOA by leading fibre broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. with child rights protection agency Stairway Foundation Inc. and the Interagency Committee Against Child Pornography (IACACP), panelists agreed that parents and their children are The most important safeguard against cyber predators.
These panelists from Converge, Stairway and IACACP agreed that parent-child relationships can be helped by:
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Have an open conversation
Parents should make their kids feel like they can talk to them about anything under the sun — especially when there are situations that endanger them. This openness will start discussions about what should and shouldn’t be done online.
“If you want to protect your kids like a parent, look at parenting in general. Don’t worry about too big a digital divide between generations – it’s always about having a good relationship with your kids and having an open dialogue,” Say child protection Mr Ysrael Diloy, Stairway’s specialist.
“Ensuring your children’s online safety starts with setting the right family values. As parents, we can monitor their activities without stifling them. But it’s pointless if we don’t teach them what’s harmful Yes,” shared Ronald Brusola, CTO of Converge.
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Use your online time to connect
Parents may struggle with the speed at which technology is evolving – so why not reach out to kids for help navigating the internet? In this way, it becomes an experience to connect with them, but also a learning experience about how your child spends time online, said Mr Christian Biok, an officer of the Inter-Agency Anti-Child Pornography Committee.
Cyberspace can be a platform for parents and children to come together, for watching movies, playing online arcades, or doing online gimmicks like viral dances or challenges.
“Make browsing the online environment a bonding opportunity. You’ll learn about how their kids use the internet, and you’ll learn about technology at the same time,” he noted.
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Invest in the right online tools
For tech-savvy parents, proactive use of online filtering tools can also help preempt unsafe online interactions.
“In addition to developing an open relationship with their children, parents can invest in blocking software for their home network. They may install filtering software,” added Mr. Benjamin Azada, Chief Strategy Officer at Converge.
Mr. Jeff Briones, Head of Converge’s Global Network Operations Center, shared that technology can be an ally in protecting children. “Technology can empower parents as well as protect children, so it helps increase awareness. As ISPs, we have security mechanisms in place to ensure our network blocks these unsafe and illegal sites.”
