Alison Todd: Parents must educate themselves to protect family

This research highlights the growing popularity among children of Facebook and other social networking sites, which we know has been increasing rapidly in recent years.

The internet, mobile technology and social networking are now an everyday part of children’s lives. While social networking provides access to many positive activities and opportunities, it’s important that we are all aware of the potential risks.

We know from listening to children and young people using Children 1st services that they face issues online such as cyber-bullying and encountering people they do not know.

Cyber-bullying can be a devastating experience for a child or young person. It can spread rapidly and uncontrollably and can feel inescapable to those who experience it. Encountering people online whom they do not know can also be a risk to children and young people.

We know of many cases where a child has been exposed to information or images they find traumatic or has been asked for information and images of themselves.

In a worst-case scenario, it can lead to a child arranging to meet someone in real life and being physically harmed.

We also know from callers to ParentLine Scotland that adults are concerned about social networking sites and they find it difficult to keep up with this constantly evolving technology.

Some have already had experiences in their own homes that have made them feel powerless to protect their children.

In order to protect their children from the potential risks of engaging in online communities, adults must educate themselves and speak to their children openly about using social networking sites.

Our advice to parents is to have regular discussions with their children about social networking and reinforce three key things: don’t give out personal information, don’t allow anyone access to your network who you don’t know and never meet anyone in person that you’ve met online. Some parents may find it useful to join social networks themselves so they can engage with their children more effectively.

Parents also worry that their children spend too much time sitting at the computer and not enough time interacting in the real world with friends or family.

It’s normal for children to want to communicate with other people their own age, but it’s important that children also talk to their parents about what’s happening in their life, at school and in their relationships with others.

We would suggest they limit the amount of time a child spends on social networking sites, just as they would limit the length of a phone call.

If anyone would like further information or support, get in touch with ParentLine Scotland on 0800 028 2233 or e-mail [email protected].

• Alison Todd is director of policy and practice at Children 1st