PARENT TIPS - FROM OUR CATHOLIC CARE COUNSELLOR 

Internet Safety and Responsible Online Behaviours

Internet safety and responsible online behaviour are crucial for parents/carers to understand and teach their children in today's digital age. The internet offers endless opportunities for learning, entertainment, and social interaction, but it also presents risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Understanding how to navigate these risks ensures they can use the internet for learning and entertainment safely. Responsible online behaviour teaches children to respect others' privacy, avoid cyberbullying, and engage in constructive communication. It also helps them protect their personal information from identity theft and online predators. By incorporating these principles early on, children develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online content, make informed decisions, and maintain a positive digital footprint that can impact their future opportunities.

Here are some tips on helping your child be safe and responsible online:

Open Communication: Foster an open and honest communication with your child about their online activities. Encourage them to share their experiences and any concerns they may have encountered.

Set Clear Rules and Boundaries: Establish guidelines for how much time your child can spend online, which websites or apps they are allowed to use, and what type of content is appropriate.

Monitor and Supervise: Regularly check in on your child's online activities, especially for younger children. Consider using parental control software.

Teach Privacy Settings: Help your child understand the importance of privacy settings on social media platforms and other online accounts. Show them how to adjust these settings to control who can see their information.

Educate About Online Risks: Discuss potential online risks such as cyberbullying, scams, and online predators. Teach your child how to recognise and handle these situations if they encounter them.

Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach your child to think critically about the information they see online. Help them question the reliability and credibility of sources before believing or sharing information.

Promote Kindness and Respect: Emphasise the importance of treating others with kindness and respect online. Teach them about the impact of their words and actions in digital interactions.

Lead by Example: Be a positive role model for responsible online behaviour. Show your child how to use technology mindfully and respectfully.

Create a Family Agreement: Consider creating a family agreement or contract outlining online rules and expectations. Involve your child in the process to ensure they understand and agree to the guidelines.

Stay Informed and Updated: Keep yourself informed about current trends and issues in online safety. Stay updated on new apps, social media platforms, and privacy settings to better guide and protect your child.

Sara Ljuboja

School Counsellor

Catholic Care - Group Programs for Term 3 2024

Our group programs can help adults and parents become the best versions of themselves. We are available to attend your service to provide an overview of the groups we offer, speak in more detail about a particular group, or discuss other service offerings such as our individual groups or professional development sessions. Our range of groups focus on:

• strengthening relationships
• parenting
• post-separation
• supporting parents with children in care
• managing challenging emotions
• grief and loss

Group programs are held in a supportive environment online or in-person at our Nowra, Campbelltown and Wollongong offices, with others who share similar life experiences. 

Click Here to Learn More About Our Group Programs

For more information or to make a booking please contact our Intake Service on 4254 9395 or email IntakeService@catholiccare.dow.org.au

Free Parent Courses

https://aus.oltinternational.net/free-parents-courses

Blended Online Learning offers Specialised self-paced online courses that build understanding, awareness, and knowledge about students with disability. The following courses are available for parents and are focused on helping parents and the family understand ADHD and Autism

Parent Courses - ADHD & Autism 

Free Program for Separating and Divorcing Parents

Family Transitions Triple P Online, developed by the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, is an easy-to-use online resource that gives proven tips and strategies for managing the transition in a way that can boost parenting confidence and minimise the impact on children.

e-Safety Commissioner Free webinars 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars