Safer Internet Day is an event that raises awareness about the importance of promoting a safer and more responsible use of online technology, especially among children and young people. This year’s theme is ‘Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online’.  At Sunbeam Fostering, we recognize the significance of protecting our foster children in the digital world. As we observe Safer Internet Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the online safety and well-being of all the children in our care.

In today’s digital age, children have unprecedented access to the internet, which opens up a world of opportunities for learning, entertainment, and socializing. However, it also comes with inherent risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online predators, and privacy breaches. As caregivers, it is our responsibility to equip our foster children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Here are some of tips you can follow that you can follow to ensure internet safety for your children.

Open Communication: Establishing open communication with your children about their online activities is crucial. Encourage them to share their online experiences, concerns, and questions with you without fear of judgment. Regularly discuss internet safety guidelines and address any issues that arise together.

Set Clear Rules and Boundaries: Establish clear rules and boundaries regarding internet usage, such as limiting screen time, specifying appropriate websites and apps, and outlining acceptable online behavior. Ensure that children understand the consequences of violating these rules and consistently enforce them.

Use Parental Controls: Utilize parental control features available on devices and internet browsers to monitor and manage your child’s online activities. These controls allow you to block inappropriate content, restrict access to certain websites or applications, and set time limits for screen time.

Educate About Online Risks: Educate your children about the potential risks of the internet, including cyberbullying, online predators, phishing scams, and inappropriate content. Teach them how to recognize and respond to these risks appropriately, emphasizing the importance of not sharing personal information online.

Monitor Online Activity: Regularly monitor your child’s online activity by reviewing their browsing history, social media accounts, and messages. Make sure they are on age-appropriate sites. Keep an eye out for any signs of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or suspicious interactions, and address them promptly.

Foster Critical Thinking Skills: Teach your children to think critically and evaluate the credibility of online information. Encourage them to question and verify sources, distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources, and think critically about the content they encounter online.

Encourage Safe Online Relationships: Emphasize the importance of maintaining safe and respectful online relationships. Teach your children to interact responsibly with others online, avoid sharing personal information with strangers, and report any instances of cyberbullying or inappropriate behavior.

Lead by Example: Be a positive role model for your children by demonstrating safe and responsible internet usage yourself. Show them how to use technology responsibly, respect others’ privacy online, and engage in constructive online interactions.

Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest trends, apps, and online platforms popular among children and teens. Stay updated on internet safety guidelines and resources provided by reputable organizations, and proactively educate yourself and your children about emerging online risks.

Encourage Offline Activities: Encourage your children to engage in offline activities and hobbies that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. Balance screen time with other activities to foster a healthy lifestyle and reduce dependence on digital devices.

At Sunbeam Fostering, we believe that empowering foster carers is essential in promoting online safety and well-being for children in care. By equipping foster carers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources, we enable them to create a secure and supportive online environment where children can explore, learn, and connect safely. We offer digital literacy workshops to our foster carers to enhance their understanding of online platforms, social media, and digital communication tools. Our training emphasizes a child-centered approach to online safety, focusing on the individual needs and developmental stages of each foster child. In addition to initial training, we offer ongoing support and guidance to foster carers on online safety matters. Our team of social workers, and digital safety experts are available to provide advice, answer questions, and offer assistance in managing online challenges effectively.

Written by Nishtha Singh (Digital Marketing Officer)