For hard-working parents, technology such as tablets and gaming consoles can be a godsend, giving up valuable time for money.
But there's also a very real fear that children will talk to strangers online, or worse, be groomed or manipulated.
Yahoo News UK spoke to privacy and security experts about how to make sure your kids aren't talking to strangers on their devices, and what to do if you find out they're doing so. I did.
It's important to be open about your use of technology, says Brian Higgins, security expert at Comparitech. Problems tend to creep in when children are using technology alone in their bedrooms, so families should normalize using technology around each other if possible.
Higgins says, “If you can, insist on at least a few hours of screen time in a common area so you can see what's going on.'' While doing homework in the lounge or watching TV together, “This means checking social media and regularly sharing groups and content.” Everywhere you can. ”
Be careful with acronyms
Children tend to use slang and acronyms with each other, but Higgins says there are some acronyms to watch out for that could be signs your child is talking to people they shouldn't. Warn you.
He said: “A fundamental way to spot inappropriate relationships online is to understand how communication works. Acronyms are prevalent and often help hide harmful messages. AYA/YOY [‘are you alone?’/’you on your own?’] Often used to check if a message can be sent securely. 420 refers to cannabis. GNOC means “to be naked in front of the camera.” 99 means “My parents are gone.'' ”
Is your child addicted to online?
According to Chris Hauk, a consumer privacy advocate at Pixel Privacy, other tell-tale signs that your child is talking to people online include if your child becomes secretive about technology.
Another “wake-up call” is when children become obsessed online, Hawke warns.
he says: “If your child quickly turns off their computer monitor or quickly switches to another screen when you enter the room, or quickly turns off their smartphone or tablet, then your child may be interacting with strangers. They may be talking about, or at least, they're doing something that you wouldn't like to know about.
“If your child becomes secretive about their online activities, becomes obsessed with having to be online, gets angry when you don't allow screen time, or becomes withdrawn, try talking to strangers. There may be.”
gift in the post
Hawk says it's worth paying attention to the packages and other gifts that arrive at your home. “If your child receives a gift, mail, or package from someone they don't know, they may be talking to a stranger online.”
How to check on your child
Parents should regularly check their children's computers and mobile devices for chat apps and open them to view their child's conversations and contact list, Hauck said.
Make sure the app is set up to prevent strangers from contacting your child and starting a conversation.
“Don't be afraid to check your child's computer or mobile device for pornographic images, especially those that appear 'amateur'. Make sure you know all of your child's passwords. If the child changes without consulting them, firstly, they may be trying to hide the conversation with the predator. ”
If you are worried that your child is talking to people they shouldn't, please call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@NSPCC.org.uk.
