“The world has changed” – how to help your kids with online friends, cyber-bullying and social media

National Safer Internet Day is a global event aimed at parents and carers to help their children with online issues like cyber-bullying.

The Hawkesbury has its very own webinar for the event on February 9, hosted by Hawkesbury Police and delivered by the Office of eSafety Commissioner.

“The world has changed since I started policing in the 70s and it is vital now that all parents and carers have the skills to recognise and deal with the problems that unfortunately occur from time to time on line,” said Chief Inspector Garry Sims APM, the Customer Service Duty Officer at Hawkesbury Police, who is spearheading the local event.

The webinar will cover:

• starting conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships

• understanding the rights, laws and community expectations that govern social media use

• where to seek help if your child is involved in a cyber-bullying incident.

The webinar will show case studies, research, and provide targeted advice so you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

Chief Inspector Sims said, “Alarmingly, recent studies indicate that only around 46% of parents or carers feel comfortable in being able to assist their children with problems the young ones face on line. Our webinar will address topics such as cyber-bullying, social networking and digital identity protection.”

There is no cost to attend the webinar, however, due to providing a COVID-19 safe environment, numbers are strictly limited and attendance is by booking a place using Eventbrite.

Ch Insp Sims added, “We welcome people to reserve a place on this webinar by using the link provided. Please be aware that numbers are limited, so book early to guarantee your place. I ask though that if you book and your circumstances change, please get in touch with me so the tickets can be reallocated.”

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/start-the-chat-safer-internet-day-2021-keep-young-people-safe-on-line-tickets-137389725367

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