Did you know that studies show that the average age of a child\u2019s first exposure to porn is 12 years old? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most kids don\u2019t go looking for porn \u2013 porn finds them, it\u2019s very easy for kids to stumble onto pornography online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As parents, caregivers and grandparents, work closely with your kids; learn the language they use, understand their lingo and memes; be their ally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be involved with your child\u2019s online activities as a family. Play games together. Talk about their favourite apps, games or websites and have honest conversations with them about who they communicate with and how, and who can see what they post online. Chatting with your kids when out in the car is less threatening for them, they can avoid eye contact, but they also can\u2019t leave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set some ground rules in your home: device free bedrooms; use online filters; consider the type of cellphone your young person has. In a collaboration between Samsung and Safe Surfer the first kidsafe smartphone was released earlier this year. As your young person grows in online skills and maturity, work as a team, review the ground rules together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regularly check your child\u2019s device, ensure it\u2019s updated, running the latest software, privacy settings are on. Encourage your kids to keep their personal information private. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Observe your child\u2019s behaviour, if they appear upset, withdrawn, scared or secretive especially regarding online activities, talk with them, reassure them that experiencing abuse or harassment is not their fault, encourage them not to keep it a secret. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As parents, caregivers and grandparents, lead by example, model positive online behaviour; and be mindful of what you share online about your child, including photos and videos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For additional resources visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n