Statement From Internet Matters in Reaction to the Government's Internet Safety Strategy
Carolyn Bunting, General Manager of Internet Matters, said: “There is always more that government and industry can do to help keep our children safe online but above all we hope the government's new strategy will empower parents to learn more about the issues around cyberbullying and play an active role in their children’s digital lives.
"Anything that helps parents make informed choices about how they help their kids stay safe in their digital lives and know more about the issue of cyberbullying is a move in the right direction. A recent survey from Internet Matters revealed 1 in 5 parents said their child had received cruel comments online and we have spent a long time campaigning to highlight to parents the risks their children face in their digital world. If more information for parents can serve as a trigger for a conversation with their child, it is a welcome step forward."
Internet Matters' six steps parents can take to make sure their child is safe from cyberbullying:
Talk About It: If your child is using social media or communicating online, don't wait until they experience cyberbullying to talk to them.
Beware What They Share: Discuss with your child what they should be sharing online and how it could invite bullies.
Learn about it. Find out about the apps, social networks and online games they are using and what they are able to share through them.
Take Control: Set safety filters on their devices and ensure privacy and settings are at the highest level on social media.
Take It Seriously: Check in with your child regularly and look out for signs of cyberbullying. Remember that children can be targeted by cyberbullies at anytime and online bullies can be anonymous.
Block and Report: Teach your child what to do if they want to prevent or report abusive messages, including keeping the evidence with screengrabs.