Online Safety
Let’s talk about staying safe online.
Learning about some of the unsafe things that can happen online will help us to look out for ourselves, family and friends.
FAKE NEWS
Learn to recognise fake news to protect yourself and your community. Cyber Safety Pasifika offers tips to identify fake news.
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Online grooming
Online grooming is when an adult contacts a child online, with the plan to sexually abuse them. This person is called an online sex offender.Some offenders may develop a friendship with the child by pretending to be another young person. However, many are honest about being an adult. They may try to:make the child feel like their relationship with them is acceptable, normal or special
convince the child that a sexual relationship with them is normal.
The offender may slowly build the friendship before introducing sexual ideas. They might do this through sharing explicit content or asking the child to have sex with them.
Online sex offenders are often very skilled at manipulating children and young people and may groom multiple children at the same time.There are certain stereotypes attached to online sex offenders, however, these offenders can be anyone.The increase in apps with direct message or ‘chat’ functions mean that anyone, anywhere can start up a conversation and pretend to be someone they’re not. Many apps don’t ask for identification when you sign up, so people can use fake names or ages to start an account – you might never really know who you are talking to.If you think a child you know is being groomed – trust your instincts and tell someone. It is never too late to report your suspicions. The sooner online grooming is identified, the less harm may be done.Learn how to block and report people online so you can take quick action if someone makes you uncomfortable.You can also find support or counselling services in your village or community to help you.
Cyberbullying
Some people feel that they can use the internet to get away with bullying others.Cyberbullying is when technology, like mobile devices and the internet, is used to cause harm to another person or group. This is done through deliberate, repeated behaviour. It can be done by an individual or a group. It might be someone you know, or it could be a stranger.
Cyberbullying may involve:
> abusive language
> intimidation
> threats
> humiliation.
By using technology, like mobile devices and the internet, cyberbullying can affect you not just at school or work, but at home as well. It can happen at any time of the day or night and make you feel upset or threatened in your own home.The emotional and psychological effects of cyberbullying can be extremely upsetting. Cyberbullying hurts people. It can ruin lives. No one should ever have to put up with it.It’s hard to stop cyberbullying from happening because most people have access to mobile devices and the internet. But by looking out for each other we can find ways to avoid cyberbullying and create a community that says no to bullying.
Don’t start it – cyberbullying is never okay. Think before you post something mean or send someone a hurtful message.
Don’t be a part of it – never forward pictures, messages or insults about a person – that’s contributing to cyberbullying. You can do something to stop cyberbullying. If someone tries to involve you in cyberbullying, say NO.
Don’t let it get out of control – you need to tell someone if you are being cyberbullied so they can help you make it stop.
Stand up – speak up and tell someone you trust if you know someone is being bullied online, or you see cyberbullying happening.
Inappropriate content
The internet has provided a new way to share content with a wider audience. Some content may be illegal, inappropriate, offensive or unsuitable for some age groups.
Inappropriate or unsafe content might include:
> pornography
> violence
> extremist behaviour
> sites advocating criminal and anti-social behaviour
> offensive content such as text, photos or videos on social media
> chatrooms or blogs that encourage racism or hate.
Some people may deliberately search for inappropriate content. You might accidently open content by typing in the wrong web address or clicking on pop-up advertisements or links in emails.
Viewing inappropriate content may be damaging to a young person’s health and wellbeing.It is important that children develop digital literacy skills so they can assess the value and accuracy of the content they see.
It’s also important for children to know what they can do if they see something that offends them.
