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Navigating Parenting Challenges in the Digital Age: Addressing online influences on your child’s development

The digital age has brought about incredible changes in the way children interact with the world, providing them with access to a vast array of information, entertainment, and social interactions. However, it also presents unique parenting challenges, especially when it comes to managing online influences on their development. As parents, it’s essential to understand the benefits and risks associated with digital exposure, while also finding ways to navigate these challenges in a way that supports your child’s overall well-being. 1. The Role of Screen Time in Child Development In today’s connected world, it’s almost impossible to avoid screen time, whether it’s for schoolwork, entertainment, or socialising. While moderate screen time can be a great tool for learning and creativity, excessive use can have detrimental effects on children’s development. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggests that children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, with content that is age-appropriate and educational. For children older than 5, they recommend a balanced approach that includes other activities such as physical play, creative endeavours, and family interactions. One of the most significant concerns for parents is the impact of screen time on physical and mental health. Research has shown that too much screen time can lead to sleep disturbances, obesity, and issues with attention and behaviour. Children may become more sedentary and develop poor sleep habits if they’re spending too much time in front of a screen. The American Heart Association highlights the importance of promoting active play and ensuring that children get enough rest. 2. Social Media and Peer Influence One of the most complex aspects of parenting in the digital age is dealing with social media and its impact on a child’s emotional and social development. Social media platforms can be a double-edged sword—offering opportunities for connection, creativity, and self-expression while also exposing children to peer pressure, bullying, and unrealistic comparisons. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% report being online “almost constantly.” This constant connectivity can affect how children view themselves and the world around them. Research has linked heavy social media use to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly when children are exposed to harmful content or negative peer comparisons. To address this, experts advise setting boundaries around social media use. Parents can guide children in making healthy choices by discussing the importance of privacy, digital footprints, and the potential dangers of oversharing. Establishing open communication about online experiences and setting age-appropriate guidelines for social media can help children navigate these platforms safely and positively. 3. Cyberbullying and Online Safety Cyberbullying has emerged as one of the most concerning online challenges for parents. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen at any time, and the anonymity of the internet often emboldens individuals to act in harmful ways. Studies indicate that cyberbullying can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts in extreme cases. The National Bullying Prevention Center reports that about 34% of students have experienced cyberbullying. Parents must take proactive steps to protect their children from online harassment. This includes having regular conversations about the risks of bullying and the importance of reporting incidents to a trusted adult. Monitoring online activities, using parental control apps, and fostering open dialogue about online behaviour can also help minimise the risks of cyberbullying. Encouraging children to block or report any harmful interactions can empower them to take action when they feel unsafe. 4. Promoting Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking In the digital age, it’s more important than ever to teach children how to navigate the vast amount of information available online. Digital literacy involves not only understanding how to use technology but also learning how to critically evaluate online content. This is especially relevant in an age of misinformation and fake news. Encourage your children to question what they see online and teach them how to verify information before accepting it as truth. Discuss the concept of online bias and help them recognise when content may be skewed or misleading. Promoting media literacy can equip your child with the skills to make informed decisions about what they consume and how they engage with online platforms. Additionally, teaching children about the ethical use of technology—such as respecting others’ privacy, avoiding plagiarism, and using technology responsibly—can foster good digital citizenship. 5. Creating a Healthy Digital Environment at Home Creating a healthy digital environment in the home is crucial for helping children thrive in the digital age. Start by setting clear guidelines for screen time usage. The AAP recommends having “screen-free” zones, such as the dinner table and bedrooms, to promote face-to-face interactions. Encourage activities like family games, outdoor play, and shared hobbies that do not involve screens. Parents should also model healthy digital habits themselves. If children see their parents constantly glued to their phones or devices, they are more likely to mimic these behaviours. By setting limits on your own screen time and prioritising family activities, you create a balanced digital environment that teaches children how to use technology responsibly. 6. Support and Open Communication The most important thing parents can do in the digital age is to maintain open lines of communication with their children about their online experiences. Regularly check in with your kids about the websites they visit, the people they interact with, and the content they consume. It’s crucial to create a trusting relationship where children feel comfortable discussing any issues or concerns they may encounter online. Additionally, it’s important for parents to educate themselves about new technologies and platforms so they can stay informed about the digital world their children are navigating. Familiarise yourself with the apps your child uses and be proactive in monitoring their digital activities. Conclusion Parenting in the digital age presents new challenges, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to help children navigate the online world safely and responsibly. By setting healthy

January 30, 2025
Parenting Hub

The Rise of AI Tutors: What parents need to know

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making waves as a tool for enhancing learning. AI tutors, designed to personalise and optimise the learning experience for students, are becoming increasingly popular. But what do parents need to know about this new wave of educational technology? What is an AI Tutor? An AI tutor is a software or platform that uses artificial intelligence to provide personalised learning experiences for students. These systems analyse the student’s learning style, pace, and strengths and weaknesses, adapting lessons and feedback accordingly. Unlike traditional tutoring, which involves human interaction, AI tutors operate on algorithms that can assess and respond to the learner’s needs in real-time. How Do AI Tutors Work? AI tutors use data from student interactions to create a tailored experience. Some platforms offer tools like quizzes, interactive lessons, and progress tracking. The AI continuously adjusts its approach based on the student’s input, helping to reinforce concepts and fill knowledge gaps. This makes them particularly useful for subjects that require practice, such as math and language learning. For example, programs like Khan Academy and Socratic offer AI-powered learning tools that provide instant feedback and explain concepts in different ways until the student grasps them. These platforms are available 24/7, making it easy for students to learn at their own pace, outside of school hours. Benefits of AI Tutors Challenges and Considerations While AI tutors offer impressive benefits, there are some challenges parents should keep in mind: How Can Parents Support Their Kids Using AI Tutors? Parents can play a crucial role in maximising the benefits of AI tutoring. Here are some tips: Looking to the Future As technology continues to advance, AI tutors will likely become more sophisticated. They may even incorporate voice recognition, virtual reality, and emotional intelligence to further personalise learning. However, it’s important to remember that AI tutors should complement, not replace, traditional education and human connection. In conclusion, AI tutors offer an exciting and practical solution to help children learn in the digital age. By understanding how these tools work and how to use them effectively, parents can make informed decisions about how to integrate them into their child’s education. Sources:

January 27, 2025
Parenting Hub

Cyberbullying: How to Recognise and Address It

In the digital age, the rise of social media, online gaming, and other online communication platforms has opened new avenues for bullying. While bullying is not a new problem, cyberbullying presents unique challenges for children, parents, and educators. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen anytime and anywhere, with a far-reaching impact. Understanding how to recognise cyberbullying and how to address it is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected. What is Cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is defined as the use of electronic communication to bully or harm others. It can take place on social media platforms, messaging apps, online forums, and even video games. This type of bullying often involves the spread of harmful rumours, harassment, threats, or deliberate exclusion. Unlike in-person bullying, cyberbullying can reach its victim 24/7 and can be difficult to escape. The anonymity and distance provided by online interactions often embolden bullies to act in ways they might not face-to-face. How to Recognise Cyberbullying Recognising the signs of cyberbullying can be tricky, especially since many children and teens are hesitant to speak out about their experiences. However, there are key behaviours and changes to watch for: How to Address Cyberbullying Addressing cyberbullying effectively requires a combination of open communication, support, and practical steps to ensure the safety of the victim. Here are steps parents, caregivers, and educators can take: Conclusion Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have profound emotional and psychological effects on children and teens. By staying informed, encouraging open communication, and taking proactive steps, parents, caregivers, and educators can help protect children from this harmful behaviour. Recognising the signs and knowing how to address cyberbullying can make a significant difference in creating a safer online environment for kids and ensuring they feel supported both online and offline.

January 24, 2025
Parenting Hub

Raising Kids in a Digital Age: Managing screen time and tech habits

In today’s world, digital devices and technology are woven into nearly every aspect of life, from entertainment and education to social interaction and daily routines. As a result, children are increasingly exposed to screens, raising important questions about screen time and how to manage it. While technology has immense benefits, including learning opportunities and social connections, excessive screen time can lead to issues like decreased physical activity, disrupted sleep, and challenges with focus and attention. Striking a healthy balance is essential for parents raising children in a digital age. The Impact of Screen Time on Children Research indicates that while digital devices offer valuable learning tools, too much screen time can have negative effects on kids. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggests that children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, and children aged 6 and older should have consistent limits on screen time based on their individual needs (AAP, 2020). Excessive use of screens has been linked to increased risk of obesity, sleep problems, and even behavioural issues. Studies also suggest that screen time can affect brain development, particularly in younger children, leading to issues like reduced attention spans and difficulties with emotional regulation. However, it’s not all bad. Educational apps, interactive games, and online learning platforms can significantly enhance a child’s cognitive skills and creativity. The challenge lies in finding a balance where screen time supports development rather than detracts from it. Tips for Managing Screen Time How to Encourage Healthy Digital Habits Creating a family media plan can help you proactively set guidelines and goals for screen time usage. Encourage open discussions about the digital world, including potential dangers like cyberbullying, online predators, and the impact of social media. By fostering a balanced approach, children can learn how to use technology in a responsible way, ensuring that their digital lives complement rather than replace real-world interactions and experiences. The Benefits of Technology in Moderation While the digital age presents challenges for parents, it also offers vast opportunities for growth, learning, and development. Technology can connect families, support educational goals, and enhance creativity. It’s essential to focus on moderation and healthy habits that help children navigate the digital world while still benefiting from all it has to offer. By setting clear boundaries, encouraging physical activity, and prioritising family engagement, parents can raise children who are not only tech-savvy but also balanced and healthy in both their digital and offline lives. Sources:

January 23, 2025
Parenting Hub

Setting Screen Time Limits: Establishing balanced digital habits in 2025

In today’s increasingly digital world, screens are a part of daily life, but managing their use is essential for overall well-being. Striking a balance between screen time and other activities helps families stay connected, productive, and healthy. Here’s how to establish and maintain balanced digital habits in 2025: 1. Define Family Screen Time Goals 2. Designate Screen-Free Zones and Times 3. Use Technology to Manage Technology 4. Encourage Offline Activities 5. Lead by Example 6. Set Clear Consequences 7. Promote Critical Thinking About Media Use 8. Balance Flexibility and Routine 9. Understand the Benefits Balanced digital habits reduce stress, improve sleep, and strengthen relationships, fostering a healthier and happier lifestyle. By setting thoughtful screen time limits and encouraging offline engagement, you can help your family enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life in 2025.

January 13, 2025
Parenting Hub

Screen Time Struggles: How to Set Healthy Limits for Your Kids

In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere—whether it’s tablets, smartphones, laptops, or televisions. For parents, managing screen time has become a constant struggle. While technology offers educational benefits and entertainment, too much screen time can impact your child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Striking the right balance is key. Here’s how to set healthy limits on screen time for your kids while still allowing them to enjoy the benefits of technology. 1. Set Clear Boundaries The first step to managing screen time is to set clear rules about when and where screens can be used. For example, you might decide that there are no screens allowed during meals or that screen time is only permitted after homework and chores are finished. By creating clear boundaries, you help your child understand when it’s appropriate to use screens and when it’s time to engage in other activities. Tip: Involve your kids in setting these rules so they feel part of the process. This can lead to better cooperation and less resistance. 2. Create a Screen Time Schedule Having a set screen time schedule can help prevent overuse. Whether it’s one hour of screen time on weekdays and two hours on weekends or tech-free days, a schedule helps maintain balance. You can also create time slots for educational versus recreational screen use. A visual schedule on the fridge or in your child’s room can serve as a helpful reminder. Tip: Use parental control apps to monitor and manage your child’s screen time, especially if you’re not always able to supervise. 3. Encourage Screen-Free Zones Designating areas in your home where screens are off-limits can help reduce over-reliance on devices. For example, bedrooms and dining areas can be screen-free zones to encourage better sleep and family interaction. By creating spaces where screens are absent, you promote healthier habits and a more mindful approach to screen use. Tip: Lead by example—try to make your bedroom or meal times screen-free too, so your kids see it as a family effort. 4. Offer Engaging Alternatives One reason kids often turn to screens is that they’re bored. To combat this, provide engaging alternatives that capture their interest. Encourage activities like reading, outdoor play, crafts, board games, or family outings. When kids have fun, engaging options, they’re less likely to default to screen time. Tip: Rotate the activities to keep things fresh and exciting. Offer new books, plan different outings, or organize themed craft days. 5. Use Screen Time as a Reward Rather than allowing unlimited screen access, you can use screen time as a reward for completing tasks such as homework, chores, or other responsibilities. This teaches your kids that screen time is a privilege earned through good behavior, not a default activity. Tip: Create a point system where kids can earn extra screen time by completing tasks, or trade their points for special rewards like movie nights or extra gaming time. 6. Monitor Content Quality It’s not just the amount of screen time that matters—it’s also about what your kids are watching or playing. Focus on content that is age-appropriate and educational. Many apps, shows, and games are designed to promote learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills, so prioritise these over purely entertainment-focused content. Tip: Watch or play along with your child occasionally to ensure the content is appropriate and help them engage critically with what they’re consuming. 7. Balance Screen Time with Physical Activity A sedentary lifestyle can develop if kids spend too much time on screens. Encourage physical activity by balancing screen time with outdoor play or sports. You can introduce a rule that for every hour spent on a screen, an hour must be spent moving around. This ensures that kids get enough physical exercise to stay healthy and active. Tip: Plan family activities that encourage physical movement, like biking, hiking, or even dancing in the living room! 8. Have Tech-Free Family Time Making space for tech-free family time is a great way to reinforce connection and communication. Whether it’s playing a board game, cooking together, or going for a walk, spending time without screens allows the whole family to bond and recharge. Plus, it models the importance of balance and helps kids develop a healthy relationship with technology. Tip: Establish a tech-free hour before bedtime or during weekend mornings to allow for more meaningful interactions. 9. Educate Your Kids on Healthy Tech Use Teach your kids about the impact of excessive screen time on their health, such as its effects on sleep, attention, and posture. When children understand why screen limits exist, they’re more likely to respect them. Explain how too much screen time can interfere with other important activities like homework, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. Tip: Use age-appropriate resources, like videos or articles, to help explain the benefits of healthy tech habits. 10. Be Flexible Lastly, remember that every family is different, and it’s important to remain flexible with your approach. Screen time limits don’t have to be rigid; they can adjust based on what’s happening in your child’s life. For example, they may need more screen time for school projects or during long car rides, but less during family vacations or when they have friends over. The key is finding a balance that works for your family. Conclusion Managing screen time doesn’t have to feel like a battle. With clear boundaries, engaging alternatives, and open communication, you can help your kids develop a balanced relationship with technology. By teaching them healthy habits now, you’ll empower them to make better decisions about screen use as they grow older. So, embrace the benefits of technology, but ensure that it fits within a broader lifestyle that includes active play, family time, and creativity. After all, a healthy balance is the ultimate goal!

November 4, 2024
Parenting Hub

Children and gaming- Balancing fun and responsibility

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores the world of children and gaming, focusing on balancing fun and responsibility. “In today’s digital age, gaming has become integral to many children’s lives. Whether it’s playing on a console, PC, or mobile device, the allure of video games is undeniable,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While gaming can provide entertainment, education, and even opportunities for socialisation, it’s important for parents to guide their children in making informed choices about gaming habits.” The Appeal of Video Games Before delving into the topic of balance, it’s essential to understand why video games strongly appeal to children. Video games offer a unique and immersive experience that can captivate players of all ages. Here are some of the reasons why children are drawn to gaming: Entertainment: Video games are entertaining and offer diverse experiences, from solving puzzles and exploring virtual worlds to engaging in epic battles and storytelling. Social Interaction: Many video games allow children to connect with friends or make new ones through online multiplayer modes, fostering social interaction and collaboration. Challenge and Achievement: Games often provide a sense of achievement and progression as players overcome challenges, earn rewards, and level up, boosting self-esteem. Creativity: Certain games encourage creativity and problem-solving, enabling children to build, design, and experiment within virtual environments. Escapism: Gaming can help escape real-life stressors and provide a safe space for children to unwind and relax. The Importance of Balance While gaming offers numerous benefits, a healthy balance between gaming and other life activities is crucial for a child’s development. Excessive gaming may have harmful repercussions, including: Reduced Physical Activity: Spending excessive hours gaming can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, potentially contributing to health issues like obesity. Sleep Disturbances: Late-night gaming sessions can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. Academic Performance: Neglecting schoolwork and responsibilities in favour of gaming can harm academic performance. Social Isolation: Overindulgence in gaming may lead to social withdrawal and strained relationships with family and friends. Addiction and Compulsion: In some cases, children can develop gaming addiction, characterised by an obsessive need to play at the expense of other activities. Setting Boundaries Establishing clear boundaries and guidelines for gaming is essential for responsible gaming. Here are some strategies for setting boundaries: Screen Time Limits: Determine daily or weekly screen time limits for gaming to ensure that children allocate time to other activities like homework, outdoor play, and family time. Consistent Schedules: Create a consistent gaming schedule that aligns with other daily routines, such as school, meals, and bedtime. Monitor Content: Be aware of the content and age-appropriateness of your child’s games. Set parental restrictions to prevent access to adult or inappropriate material. Communication: Maintain open and ongoing communication with your child about their gaming habits, interests, and concerns. Encourage them to share their experiences and express their needs. Encourage Variety: Encourage your child to participate in various activities, such as athletics, arts, and hobbies, to promote balance and fulfilment. Quality Over Quantity Rather than focusing solely on the amount of gaming time, emphasise the gaming experience’s quality. Encourage your child to choose games that offer educational value, promote creativity, or align with their interests. Engage in discussions about the games they enjoy and explore opportunities for learning within the gaming context. Parents may consider co-playing or participating in gaming sessions with their child. This allows you to understand their gaming world better and provides an opportunity for shared experiences and bonding. Education and Awareness Promote responsible gaming by educating your child about the potential risks and benefits. Teach them about balance, self-control, and the potential consequences of excessive gaming. Encourage critical thinking by discussing in-game purchases, online etiquette, and the distinction between virtual and real-life actions. Introduce them to resources that guide responsible gaming and online safety. Organisations like the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) offer valuable information and tools for parents and children. Gaming as a Reward and Motivation Harness the motivational power of gaming by using it as a reward for completing tasks and responsibilities. Encourage your child to finish their homework, chores, or other commitments before indulging in gaming time. This approach helps instil a sense of responsibility and time management. Seek Professional Help if Needed If you suspect that your child is struggling with gaming addiction or compulsive gaming behaviour, consider seeking professional help. Mental health professionals, including therapists and counsellors, can provide guidance and support for both children and parents dealing with gaming-related issues.

May 8, 2024
Kip McGrath Education Centres

A Helpful Guide to Keeping Your Child Safe on the Internet

Educate yourself, stay informed about the internet, social media platforms, and the latest online trends. Understand how they work, the potential risks involved, and the privacy settings available. This knowledge will help you guide your child effectively.  Establish clear rules and boundaries and set clear guidelines for internet usage at home. Discuss the appropriate amount of time they can spend online and the types of websites, apps, and content they are allowed to access.  Communicate openly and create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences, concerns, or any uncomfortable encounters. Encourage open conversations about the internet and address any questions or issues they may have.  Teach responsible behaviour and educate your child about online behaviour. Teach them the importance of treating others with respect, avoiding cyberbullying, and not sharing personal information online. Teach them about the potential consequences of their actions.  Use parental controls. Utilise parental control tools and filtering software to monitor and restrict your child’s access to inappropriate content. These tools can block specific websites, set time limits, and provide you with insight into your child’s online activities. Set privacy settings. Help your child configure privacy settings on their social media accounts and other online platforms. Teach them to keep their profiles private and only accept friend requests from people they know in real life.   Teach online safety. Educate your child about online safety measures, such as creating strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links or downloads, and reporting any inappropriate behaviour or content they encounter.  Encourage critical thinking. Teach your child to think critically about the information they find online. Help them evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources and recognise potential scams or misinformation.  Monitor online activity. Regularly check your child’s online activities, including their social media profiles, chat logs, and browsing history. Be vigilant without invading their privacy. Let them know you are monitoring their online presence to ensure safety.  Foster trust. Build trust with your child by respecting their privacy within reasonable limits. Let them know they can come to you if they encounter any problems or concerns about their online experiences. Avoid overreacting to minor issues, which may discourage them from seeking help in the future.  Encourage offline activities. Promote a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Encourage your child to engage in hobbies, sports, and face-to-face interactions with friends and family.  Stay engaged and involved in your child’s online world. Engage in their interests, ask questions about their online experiences, and show genuine interest in their online activities. This involvement helps you understand their online behaviours and identify potential risks.  Remember, maintaining open lines of communication, educating your child, and actively monitoring their online activities are key to keeping them safe on the internet. By implementing these strategies, you can help your child navigate the digital landscape with confidence and security.  At Kip McGrath, we understand the importance of ensuring your child’s safety and well-being, both online and offline. That’s why we offer FREE assessments to help identify their unique learning needs and provide personalised tutoring programs tailored to their academic growth. Visit our website today to book a free assessment and discover how Kip McGrath’s qualified teachers can empower your child’s learning journey. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for your child’s educational success. Let’s work hand in hand to keep your child safe and thriving in the digital world and beyond. Schedule a free assessment now and equip them with the skills they need to navigate the internet confidently and responsibly. Choose Kip McGrath for expert guidance and a safe space to nurture your child’s potential. Book a free assessment today and embark on a learning adventure that leads to a brighter future. Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects.  A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.

April 4, 2024
Social Kids

Age restrictions, are they purely suggestions when it comes to social media?

It may feel at times that age restrictions are simply suggestions, however when it comes to the safety of our children online, it’s probably best to pay attention. Age restrictions are in place for a reason, every parent or guardian knows their child best, pushing the limits within reason with your consent. Every parent has the right to decide for their own child.  You know your child better than anyone. However, when it comes to social media, you can’t control the world.  We’ve all experienced it. Social media can send you to strange and wonderful places. The videos can entertain and memorise you. We’ve all fallen victim to the social media scroll.  When it comes to our children, the average age restriction for social media is 13. Legally it is 16 for WhatsApp, a channel frequently used by younger children to communicate. This also happens to be a platform where cyberbullying is gaining momentum.  No, we can’t rely on the actual platforms to enforce this at log-in. Although it can be argued that it is their responsibility. This age limit comes from US legislation from 1998 which banned the collection of children’s personal data without parental consent. For many parents, schools and cyber safety experts, this minimum age has become a benchmark.  The truth is social media can be toxic. Young children have not yet developed their emotional intelligence to filter out certain content, to read between the lines and to interpret information with a critical eye. Allowing children to access these platforms exposes them to an array of people, places, and situations. All of which you cannot control.  The risks are real. The University of Syndey has cited the below to be major risks. Risks include being exposed to online bullying and harassment.   They can be exposed to misinformation and inappropriate content.  Master manipulators can set into gear their sexual grooming. Youngsters are the most vulnerable to privacy breaches. Children enjoy the freedom that social sites give them, making them feel older than they are, this leads to excessive use, leading to addictive tendencies.  Academic studies claim there are links between social media and poor mental health and low self-esteem. Despite there being no correlation between excessive social media use and poor self-esteem, we cannot ascertain a direct causation. It’s important to note that should a young person already experience low self-esteem and depression they will tend to use social media significantly more than others. Emotional intelligence  Emotional intelligence is not the ability to understand the difference between happy or sad, like or angry! It’s the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you. There are five key elements to consider before you ignore that age restriction:  Self-awareness Self-regulation Motivation Empathy Social skills Every year we see significant changes to our children’s behaviour, and in the blink of an eye, we start to notice a big change that has happened in front of our eyes. Let’s give them the time they need to be kids.  We’re not saying social media is all bad, it’s a great place to deepen relationships, learn and grow and can be used for positive reinforcement offering great well-being insights and motivation. We’re saying, our children should explore this space when they are ready and equipped to face this world.  Refer: https://www.kubbco.com/blog/13-positive-effects-of-social-media-on-our-society-today https://www.facebook.com/share/p/eCCSreSzMCsd8758/?mibextid=2JQ9oc https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/02/10/is-13-too-young-to-have-a-tiktok-or-instagram-account-.html#:~:text=This%20minimum%20age%20requirement%20stems,become%20something%20of%20a%20benchmark.

March 27, 2024
Social Kids

Digital Safety: developing healthy digital habits at a young age

Digital is a fundamental part of our everyday lives including the lives of primary school children. It has become an extension of ways of learning and creativity; however, it also presents risks such as cyberbullying, sexual extortion and risks to privacy. According to the Unicef SA Kids Online Study,  95% of children in South Africa use the internet regularly but are not aware of these risks and how to handle them. An even more shocking 70% of children do not share what they are exposed to.   Social Kids South Africa is a programme dedicated to guide and protect children under 11 years old as they navigate the online world.  This digital adventure is essential training that children need to ensure they know what information they should share online, how to protect their privacy, understand how an algorithm works and how to deal with cyberbullies. They learn good manners online and how to spot fake news and ensure the site they are on is secure.   “The reality is children are being exposed to the digital world from a young age. But what are we doing to show them the right way to surf the net, know their rights and how to handle situations they may find themselves in? We can monitor their online behaviour and try being online 24/ 7 but ensuring a child is aware of the threats, comfortable to communicate and empowered with knowledge, the more likely they are to steer away from dangerous situations”, says Cheryl Barnett, Co-founder of Social Kids ZA. Building digital literacy at a young age empowers your child with the right tools and knowledge to help them when they are older and in the infamous teenage years. Rather than letting your child learn from their peers or through trial and error, Social Kids mascot, Codey Crawler shows children how to be safe when they go online and to think before they click. If your child is playing games on the phone or watching YouTube, they are vulnerable to master manipulators online.  The program has 5 adventure levels, each ending in an activity that must be submitted to earn a digital badge. Codey Crawler and his bestie Miss Nadie take little adventurers on a journey with the purpose to upskill them via fun and age-appropriate pre-recorded lessons. Adventure level 1– the adventure begins with the dos and don’ts of digital safety. Children are taught about their digital fingerprint and the trial they leave online. Adventure level 2– teaches the little adventurer what cyberbullying is, how to navigate and stop it by sharing with their circle of trust.  This adventure level teaches them to safeguard their information and understand what details are safe to share. Adventure level 3– in this lesson, Codey and Miss Nadie focus on how to spot fake stories, the importance of asking questions and how to fact-check and always ask permission from parents before sharing. Adventure level 4– Codey describes online manners, what certain messages and symbols on the internet mean and how to interpret them. He goes into detail on how to play games safely and when to show your true colours or when not to! Adventure level 5– The last level, Codey reinforces the main topics covered to ensure the brave adventurers can confidently connect with the world. It ensures they understand the dangers that could be out there and highlights the positives that the digital world has to offer. Parents have access to in-depth parent guides; these were created to add value to parents. Showing them step by step how to protect their privacy, educating them on the best ways to set boundaries from a young age and improving their relationships as they grow and learn online. The program can be taken together or via a Jump in- Jump out online class with Miss Nadie in the afternoons, every weekday.  Social Kids is a great resource to future proof your kids against online dangers. Not only does it educate them, it also provides parent guides to help set boundaries in place. I found the course useful because it opened up conversations with my son about online bullies and how he would handle them. Creating a safe family space (which Cody teaches us are people we can trust) is a good grounding for kids for that online world out there. Heather Step https://samomblogs.co.za/ Cheryl and Bryan Barnett developed this program to protect their son, “We have seen how fast this digital world is changing and how our children are being exposed to this world, with little to no guidance. The focus only comes into place after they are well into their teens, the bad habits have already been formed. Hence our focus is on the younger generation.”  Join Codey Crawler and his friends, for a once-off price of R 425 to access all 5 adventures and parental guides. (Normal price R500) 

March 6, 2024
Parenting Hub

Helping Teens Avoid Sextortion Scams

Takeaways: Meta has worked with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to expand Take It Down to more countries and languages, allowing millions more teens to take control of their intimate imagery. Meta has also partnered with Thorn to update our Stop Sextortion hub, offering new tips and resources for teens, parents and teachers on how to prevent and handle sextortion. Meta is supporting safety organizations and creators around the world to help raise awareness of sextortion scams and what teens and parents can do to take back control. Having a personal intimate image shared with others can be devastating, especially for young people. It can feel even worse when someone threatens to share it if you don’t give them more photos, sexual contact or money — a crime known as sextortion. That’s why, this Safer Internet Day, we’re announcing new efforts to help combat this kind of criminal activity. These include giving more teens control over their intimate images, helping teens  — and their parents and teachers  — feel better equipped against those trying to exploit them, and supporting creators and safety organizations around the world as part of a global campaign to raise awareness of sextortion. Expanding Take It Down to More Languages and Countries Take It Down is a program from NCMEC, supported by Meta, which is designed to help teens take back control of their intimate images and help prevent people — whether it’s scammers, ex-partners, or anyone else — from spreading them online. First launched last year in English and Spanish, Meta and NCMEC are now expanding the platform to many more countries and languages, making it accessible to millions more teens around the world. There are several ways people can use Take It Down to find and remove intimate imagery, or help prevent people sharing them in the first place: Young people under 18 who are worried their content has been, or may be, posted online Parents or trusted adults on behalf of a young person Adults who are concerned about images taken of them when they were under 18 Take It Down was designed to respect young people’s privacy and data security. To start the process, people can go to TakeItDown.NCMEC.org and follow the instructions to assign a unique hash — a digital fingerprint in the form of a numerical code — to their image or video, privately and securely from their own device. Teens only need to submit the hash, rather than the intimate image or video itself, which never leaves their device. Once the hash has been submitted to NCMEC, companies like Meta can find copies of the image, take them down and help prevent anyone who’s threatening them from posting them in the future. “Making Take it Down available in 25 languages is a pivotal step towards safeguarding children from the horrors of online exploitation all over the world,” said John Shehan, a Senior Vice President with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. “We aspire to ensure that every child, regardless of language or location, has the opportunity to reclaim their dignity and privacy by having their illicit content removed from participating platforms.”   Take It Down builds off of the success of platforms like StopNCII, which helps prevent those seeking to exploit people from sharing adults’ intimate images online. New Resources for Teens, Parents and Teachers to Help Prevent Sextortion   These moments can be upsetting and isolating, especially for young people, who may feel too scared to ask for help. That’s why we’ve worked with Thorn, a nonprofit that builds technology to defend children from sexual abuse, to develop updated guidance for teens on how to take back control if someone is sextorting them. It also includes advice for parents and teachers on how to support their teens or students if they’re affected by these scams. The new resources can be found in our updated Sextortion hub within Meta’s Safety Center. Kelbi Schnabel, Senior Manager at Thorn, said: “Our work with Meta to provide targeted, robust sextortion resources has helped Thorn significantly enhance our efforts in combating sextortion. Our joint initiative is already empowering parents and teens to understand the risks and take action, which is a testament to the power of collaborative action in tackling complex challenges like sextortion. The result of our collaboration underscores the importance of accessible, comprehensive resources in the digital era.” To help make sure teens and parents everywhere know about these scammers and what they can do to avoid them, Meta is launching a global campaign, supporting safety organizations and working with incredible creators around the world to help raise awareness. Our Work to Help Protect Teens From Sextortion On Our Apps Today’s updates build on the work we already do to help young people know there are steps they can take if someone has shared, or is threatening to share, their intimate images. We show Safety Notices to people on Instagram when they’re messaging someone who has shown potentially scammy or suspicious behavior. These Safety Notices urge people to be cautious, encourage them to report any account that threatens to share their private images, and remind them that they can say no to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. We also direct teens to Take It Down at relevant moments when using Facebook and Instagram, such as if they report someone for sharing their private images, for nudity, or for sexual exploitation.   And we work to help protect teens from unwanted contact in the first place. We default teens under 16 (and under 18 in certain countries) into private Instagram accounts when they sign up, which hides their follower and following lists, and we restrict adults over 19 from messaging minors who don’t follow them. Last month, we announced stricter default message settings, meaning teens under 16 (and under 18 in certain countries) won’t receive messages from anyone they don’t follow or aren’t already connected to, providing more protection against potential scammers.

February 7, 2024
FYI Play it Safe

Have you asked your child: ‘What’s the worst thing you have seen online?’

Devices, always connected to the internet, play a significant role in the childhood of our youngest generations.  There’s so much that is good in this, and so much also that is an outright threat to their mental and emotional well-being.  You might think that the worst of this is cyberbullying or exposure to pornography, but unfortunately, the internet is also awash in violent and gory, cruel and upsetting content. Many parents don’t grasp or fully consider the vastness of internet content, some of it specifically linked to children’s interests.  A shocking example of this was brought to light in the latest episode of the FYI play it safe podcast, Sip the Tea. A young tween recounts how he was an ardent My Little Pony fan when he was little and how he inadvertently stumbled upon animated content showing the disturbing torture and massacre of the little ponies he loved.  Years later, this childhood shock and horror is still on his mind. Rachelle Best, founder of FYI play it safe says, “When we planned the production of our Sip the Tea podcast, I knew that we were going to get some real stories about pornography and cyberbullying but I didn’t realise the full extent of exposure to the upsetting content our children have come across.  I didn’t realise that the most loaded question I had to ask would be: ‘What is the worst thing you have seen online?’. Every answer I got held a shock for me, and I would have to compose myself consciously.  The range, and the amount of upsetting content out there is unbelievable. The vast majority of exposure to upsetting content came from links passed onto them or from Discord servers inviting them to participate.  The trouble is that once you have consumed certain content, then the algorithms take over and play a major role in feeding more and more of this extreme, upsetting content.” The Sip the Tea podcast is going ‘behind the screens’ of South African children and bringing to light the real-life experiences in their digital lives.  Through skilful and sensitive guided conversations, Rachelle is succeeding in providing parents and educators not just with an expanded view and deeper insights, but also practical advice on how to improve protecting kids online.  Key to this is fostering open communications between tweens, teens and the important adults in their lives.  Across the wide-ranging first season of Sip the Tea, Rachelle shows that our children want to have opportunities to safely have conversations about their digital lives and their disturbing experiences.  Threats of taking away their devices or being shamed for stumbling across certain content inhibit or completely shut down these opportunities.  Parents need to rethink their strategies for keeping their kids safer online.  Stepping away from judgement and punishment enables parents to have trusted, open conversations with their children.  This presents more chances to know what your children are experiencing and gives parents more opportunities to help their children process upsetting content. The Sip the Tea episode on upsetting content is an eye-opener.  When you put a device in their hands, no parents imagines that their child might see a live stream of someone committing suicide.  But this happened to a South African boy when he was just thirteen years of age.  The person was not a stranger – it was his best friend. Rachelle says, “Children are born curious.  If you send them a link, they will click on it.  Unless you talk regularly to your child about the scope of upsetting content on the internet, and unless you have a real intention to raise a responsible digital citizen, chances are high that they will be exposed to upsetting content, and they may also share it.  It’s important that parents have hard conversations with their kids about what’s out there, why it is wise to avoid it and how to do that.  Children are not just curious, they are also impressionable, and unfortunately, exposure to upsetting content can have long-lasting effects.” Research has shown that exposure to horror, violence, cruelty, and gore can significantly disrupt children’s well-being.  Impacts include fearfulness and anxiety, sleeplessness and nightmares, trauma response and post-traumatic stress, as well as behaviour change.  These may be short-term consequences, but a long-term effect may be desensitisation and diminishing of natural empathy, kindness and sensitivity to others. To learn more about the platforms that are the main sources of upsetting content, and how and why it goes viral, tune into Sip the Tea. Parents, principals, teachers, and community leaders are invited to join the free webinar Sip the Tea – unfiltered truth from our children on 14 March 2024.  FYI play it safe CEO, Rachelle Best will be reviewing the findings and learnings from Season 1 of Sip the Tea and discussing social media and the apps our children are using; stranger danger and online grooming; exposure to explicit and upsetting content; and cyber bullying. Register now for the free Sip the Tea – unfiltered truth from our children webinar on Zoom: 10:00 – 11:30am Session 18:00 – 19:30pm Session You can find Sip the Tea on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Episode 1 Teens and technology Episode 2 Social Media and the apps our children are using Episode 3 Stranger danger & online grooming Episode 4 Pornography Episode 5 Pornography addiction Episode 6 Gaming Episode 7 Cyber bullying Episode 8 Upsetting content For more information visit www.fyiplayitsafe.com  

January 23, 2024
FYI Play it Safe

Teens & tweens are watching porn & we need to talk about it

Parents of today’s adolescents grew up in a world where pornography was something you had to get your hands on, which was difficult to do while you were underage.  There wasn’t much of it around to start with, and then there was a host of regulations and restrictions that limited the range and possibility for adolescents to be exposed to adults-only content. While you might have managed to find the odd magazine under your big brother’s mattress, there wasn’t much chance of becoming a regular consumer of all sorts of porn. Contrast this with a recent episode of the Sip the Tea podcast, where a teen girl recounts her story of being, in her words ‘addicted to porn’.  She tells Rachelle Best, founder of FYI play it safe, that she engaged with pornographic content from the age of 9 years and went on to compulsively consume it for years.  The girl, now 17, articulates the impact that this has had on her self-esteem and body image.  Instead of a carefree youth, she describes one wracked with guilt and shame. Curiosity about the adult world and, about the secrets that adults keep, is of course, perfectly normal, healthy child behaviour.  It tests the boundaries that parents put in place when it comes to the aspects of human life that we worry that children may find disturbing, frightening or shocking.  As adults, not just parents, we have a universally recognised duty to protect children when it comes to violence, cruelty, war – and sex.  This duty is a legal requirement in the case of human sexual behaviour because in South Africa, as in many countries in the world, it is illegal for any adult to be involved in exposing a child to pornography. The digital era has fundamentally redefined childhood, and when we put a tablet, or a gaming console, a phone or laptop into our child’s hands, something parents do when their children are at younger and younger ages, we give them the keys to a limitless, unregulated world.  The proliferation of violent and sexual content across the digital world is unfathomable.  It’s no exaggeration to say that ’porn is everywhere’.  There’s just so much accessible, pornographic content that it is now impossible to believe, that purposefully or inadvertently, your child won’t be exposed to it.  This reality is demanding new approaches to sex education, new openness in parent-child communications and new strategies for parenting digital natives.  UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, has asserted that “pornographic content can harm children”. The organisation has expressed its alarm at the “massive quantity” of pornography available and its easy accessibility to children of all ages.  It suggests that: “Exposure to pornography at a young age may lead to poor mental health, sexism and objectification, sexual violence, and other negative outcomes.  Among other risks, when children view pornography that portrays abusive and misogynistic acts, they may come to view such behaviour as normal and acceptable.” Counselling Psychologist, Elliott Kotze who works extensively with adolescents presents another view.  He says, “Currently, peer-reviewed evidence on the effects of exposure to porn in childhood is scarce.  There is also an argument that porn is not addictive which suggests that compulsive porn consumption is not about the media, but about underlying issues.  For instance, sexual shame is often inherent when it comes to compulsive porn consumption.  Another potential cause for compulsive porn consumption, with or without masturbation, is a need for self-soothing or emotional or sensory regulation. This can become problematic when it becomes the person’s only way to self-regulate.” Elliott is clear though that unintentional exposure to pornography in childhood can be traumatic.  He says, “For a child who inadvertently clicks on a link or is shown porn onscreen by a friend in the playground, there is a trauma response risk.  If they are not ready or equipped, and don’t understand what’s going on, what they see is likely to be shocking and disturbing to them, and they would need capacity from their parents or a professional to process this.” For adolescents that develop a compulsive use of pornography, Elliott says, “Typically, it is distress that drives compulsive behaviours, and to treat this there needs to be an understanding of that distress.  Adolescents face many challenges – mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, relationship challenges or sexual or arousal challenges.  All of these can lead to a compulsive use of pornographic content. Simply taking away the child’s ability to access porn without addressing the underlying issues that are driving the behaviour will inevitably lead to a range of sexual and relationship challenges further down the line.” Elliott offers the following advice to today’s parents: Provide matter-of-fact, accurate sex education that is free of shame – “It’s important to talk about bodies using the biological, shame-free terminology for all body parts.  Discuss the role of sex in reproduction and the role of sex in bonding and healthy pleasure.  Focus on the care of our bodies and our mental health.  Talk about consent and what that looks like, how to give it and how to respect it.  Give your children a vision and blueprint for healthy relationships.” Be committed to non-judgement and be solutions-oriented – Be the wise guide your kids can come to when they need to talk about their distress.  Elliott says, “Parents can help their children deal with compulsive behaviours and tackle the underlying causes.  They can help them develop healthier ways for self-soothing and self-regulating without adding to the shame and guilt the child probably already feels in relation to their behaviour.” Adequately prepare your child – “Open communication is essential to helping your child navigate adolescence,” Elliott says, “Puberty comes along, and bodies develop.  It’s a time full of body hair, smells, spontaneous arousal and breast buds.  All these changes can be disconcerting and distressing for children who have not been adequately prepared for it. The science has shown that children who are underprepared for puberty, or who have

November 23, 2023
Social Kids

What is your child’s online maturity?

It may feel strange that we’re talking about online maturity when we are showing children aged 7 to 11 years old the right way to play and learn online. The reality is some children have already had extensive exposure to online platforms by the time they are 8 years old.  Online maturity plays a huge role in your child’s digital future. How you behave and engage with technology at a young age will determine how you move forward as you get older.  Here are the key elements that determine your child’s online maturity:  Access to devices Access to online means they can get online to play games, stream TV, watch YouTube channels or have their own device with internet access. Does your child have the freedom to access technology when and as they please? Is there a time limit already set up with rules and boundaries already in place? Who do they access the internet with? If your child is streaming TV, they can access the profile themselves, but are they playing various games or browsing YouTube channels unmonitored? When they go online, do they do it alone, or with a watchful eye behind every click? Are they allowed to access the internet with older siblings, family, or friends? Do you have privacy settings set up on all devices or child-friendly browsers in place? Whether they have supervised access or not, have you taken the steps to protect all devices in the household? Does your family have regular open conversations about the digital world? Do you discuss the dangers of playing online together? The Codey adventure has been designed to appeal to a wide range of ages, however, a child’s individual online maturity and environment will play a large role in his or her experience of the adventure. If at times, the delivery may seem slow, this is a deliberate action, to ensure there is repetition and reinforcement of key concepts. The content is what is important. If your child does have a high online maturity, use this time together to discuss what they know. Use the opportunity to improve your communication and understanding of each other’s perspectives. By starting the conversations now, you are creating a better relationship moving forward. If there is only one change we can make with our future surfers, it must be to – Think. Before you click! Codey Crawler and the Social Kids team will sleep well at night and you as a parent or guardian can rest easy that you are talking to your children about what they do online. We will have a safer, wiser, and kinder internet in the future.  Join us – Make the time or use our supervised classes – Just don’t do nothing! 

November 8, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

Always online – SA teens share real-life experiences

FYI play it safe launches ’Sip the Tea’ podcast If you’re the parent of a teenager, you most likely don’t know as much about their online life as you should.  Our children are immersed in the digital world, inhabiting digital environments, and gathering in digital spaces that most parents don’t even know exist, never mind understand how to navigate.  It doesn’t help that these virtual locales where teens meet up and hang out are ever-changing; they can disappear in a whiff, migrate at a whim and new ones pop up every day. It’s nearly impossible for parents to keep up. Our tweens and teens range across a multitude of social media, gaming environments and messaging platforms where they find the connection and validation that is so vital to their life-stages.  But they also encounter risks and dangers.   ‘Sipping the tea’ is teen slang for side-eyeing the juicy ‘gos’ and listening in to get the latest scoop. Rachelle Best, parent of a teenage daughter and the CEO and Founder of the AI-powered monitoring app, FYI play it safe, is the host of Sip the Tea.  Across the first season of eight episodes launching on 17th October, Rachelle, in conversation with presenter, Amy Maclver, tackles major themes impacting on teens’ online lives, such as cyberbullying, online grooming, pornography and exposure to upsetting content.  Teens’ voices, digitally altered to protect identity, are prominent throughout the series, as they open up to Rachelle about their own experiences as well as share insights about the experiences of their siblings and friends. Rachelle says, “Parents listening in may be surprised at the frankness and honesty.  Teens so often have the reputation for reticence or even being secretive when it comes to connecting with adults.  “In my journey, both through Sip the Tea interviews and engaging with children in schools, one glaring truth has emerged — our kids crave open and honest conversations about the digital world’s lurking risks and threats. They are not just curious; they’re deeply disturbed by the dangers they face online. Remarkably, many of these young people don’t merely seek protection; they aspire to help us, the adults, understand the real risks they face.  Most agree that there should be limits and protections on children’s online activity – in fact, they recommend these.  What they don’t want though, is to be judged and punished for their curiosity or their mistakes.  They don’t want the adults to overreact.  They don’t want the WIFI switched off or to have their devices taken away.  Instead, they’re offering us a unique opportunity — a chance for parents to reshape their approach to online safety. It’s an invitation to build an understanding relationship with their teen based on open and honest communication.” On the one hand, there are parents who are prone to overreact and rigidly police their children’s devices, and on the other are those who have their heads in the sand and believe the risks will never materialise with their children.  Rachelle says, “Unfortunately, the ‘not my child syndrome’ is rife in South Africa.  There are parents who do nothing or so little to create a family online safety ecosystem, and then blithely say they don’t need to because they ‘trust their child’.  However, online safety should not be linked to the trust-relationship with your child. Harmful content is everywhere, and your child does not necessarily have to go looking for it to be exposed.  A child may see porn through no fault of their own, think that the trust-relationship with their parents is now ruined and that their parents won’t trust them again.  When I conducted the Sip the Tea interviews, I anticipated some shocking stories about online grooming, cyber bullying and pornography; what I didn’t expect is the extreme cruelty that some of the children had encountered.  We hear from these kids’ stories, that they have been exposed to some of the most horrific scenes imaginable, which is bound to make a lasting impact on their emotional well-being.” The family online safety ecosystem that Rachelle refers to here is the use of multiple solutions that goes beyond just deploying the phone’s screen time limit and parental controls to restrict access to some known websites and apps.  While these play a role in the online safety ecosystem, their efficacy is partial.  Latest solutions such as FYI play it safe draw on AI and ML to monitor the content of children’s online activity across multiple devices in real-time.  This provides parents with proactive alerts when their children may be exposed to online risks.  It dynamically monitors all the content that the child engages with, including social media, in-game and instant messaging chats.   Apart from opening parents’ eyes to online risks, Sip the Tea offers a balanced view of the lives of our digital natives.  Rachelle says, “There are so many benefits to teens being online.  It’s wonderful to hear how they make lasting friendships and find acceptance and reassurance in the digital world.  There’s so much to learn, so many opportunities to find and develop your passions and so many ways to grow as a responsible digital citizen.  What’s important for parents is to become empowered and knowledgeable.  We need to understand teen digital spaces better, we need to be clear about risks and threats, and we need to be proactive when it comes to helping our teens stay safer online.” You can find Sip the Tea on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more, from 17th October 2023. Episode 1: Teens and tech – We explore the technology setups that tweens and teens have at home. We delve into the rules, controls, and guidance in place to ensure safe and balanced digital engagement. Episode 2: Social media and the apps they use – We lift the curtain on the online social worlds of today’s youth. From Snapchat and TikTok to Discord, we explore the apps they’re using and the experiences they’re having on these platforms. Episode 3:

October 16, 2023
Social Kids

Start the online adventure together with your child

UNICEF South Africa released a study that 70% of children surveyed use the Internet without parental consent. “The Disrupting Harm Study released in 2022 showed that 70% of children surveyed in South Africa use the Internet without parental consent and risky online behaviour can expose them to online violence, exploitation, and abuse. The online world is also increasingly intertwined with everyday life offline.” Having an open relationship with your child’s online behaviour has been identified as a core pillar to protecting them when they go online. As parents, we can monitor their activity, we do have eyes at the back of our heads. We can implement child-friendly browsers on our devices, and we can even set an alarm clock to stop their time online and set boundaries. All of these are great and should be done to protect your child when they go online. Thanks to many hours of global best practice research and 20 years of digital and parenting experience, this program was designed to protect their own child and others like him. Social Kids is dedicated to educating children to self-regulate, self-recognise, communicate, and educate parents on how to manage this maze of information. The parental guides have been designed in a way that makes it easy to navigate, and we’ve collated global best practices and professional advice, to give parents a concise summary of how to protect their children and keep the conversations going well into their teens.  Twenty minutes a week, with your child over 5 weeks, is all it will take. If you don’t have the time Miss Nadie and Codey have dedicated jump in and out supervised online classes every day of the week, to help you out when things get busy. Can you afford not to start the conversations now, while they will still want to listen to you? Register today.  https://bit.ly/3njBqid

September 18, 2023
Social Kids

Don’t let your child become a statistic

“It will never happen to my child!” – You’re right, but do you want to take the risk? As every loving parent knows, that moment you hold your child, there is nothing you wouldn’t do for them. And no one wants to come up against a ‘Mamma Bear’ when she is defending her child. How do you defend your child when you don’t know what is happening behind that screen? How do you protect your child from predators that can mimic and penetrate themselves into your child’s life?  You can keep them away from these dangers however the digital world is playing a more active role in our lives. You can arm them with the skills to spot these dangers before they become a reality.  Take a digital adventure with them and help to better prepare them for what may lay ahead. Education is the key. Communication is the magic that brings all of this together.  We’ve read the 143-page research paper from Global kids online on South African Kids Online: Barriers, opportunities & risks. This was like reading a terrifying thriller novel that has no end.  According to the study, “The internet is beginning to significantly impact all societies in numerous profound and dynamic ways, regardless of location, infrastructure, and economic level. Recent global estimates suggest that one in three internet users is a child and that the proportion of child internet users is likely to be higher in developing countries.”  To summarise some interesting points from the report: The report was completed in 3 main provinces, where one in two (48.1%) child participants said that they never or hardly ever spoke to their parents about their internet use.  From the child perspective only 42.0% of parents never suggested ways for their children to use the internet safely and 49.1% never spoke to their children about what do if something online bothered or upset them. An alarming 57% of parents admitted that they had never suggested ways to use the internet safely. However, parents did show a deep concern for their children’s online wellbeing in the focus group discussions.  Social Kids was born out this very same, shared concern for their own son. You can’t leave it in the hands of the school or have them learn from peers and friends. Codey Crawler was developed to help take children through the online journey and to better prepare them for what may lie ahead. It’s the basics of internet safety and it’s a topic that we can now face together with our children, encouraging them to share their experiences and to create the self-awareness they need to guard their information and privacy.  Register today and save!   https://bit.ly/3njBqid

July 11, 2023
Parenting Hub

10 ways to stop cyberbullying

This year, the global Stop Cyberbullying Day falls on June 16 which is also Youth Day in South Africa. Both these days represent important issues that, amongst others, are focused on empowering the youth and advocating for their safety, both offline and online. To mark this occasion, Kaspersky is sharing ten practical tips to combat cyberbullying, aiming to foster safer and more respectful digital environments for all. “We understand the importance of ensuring the safety of our youth in today’s digital world. Even though the Internet is important to supplement education, interact with friends and family, and have fun, it is also dangerous due to the ongoing threat of cyberbullying. As South Africans commemorate both these important days, we are reminded of the need to create a safer online environment for our young people. By equipping our youth and their parents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves online, we are empowering them to more securely navigate the digital world with confidence,” says Brandon Muller, technology expert and consultant for the MEA region at Kaspersky. Be aware of online activity: Always monitor the sites, apps, and platforms you use. Understand the privacy policies and what content is appropriate to share. Privacy settings: Always make use of privacy settings on social media platforms and apps. These settings can control who sees your posts and personal information. Think before you post: Remember that the Internet is permanent. Even if you have deleted a post, comment, photo, or video, malicious users can still find it. If you are not comfortable with your parents or others seeing what you post, then it is best not to do so. Strong passwords: Use complex and unique passwords for all of your accounts to prevent hacking. Never share your passwords with anyone. Report and block bullies: Most platforms have tools for reporting abusive behaviour and blocking individuals. If at any time you feel threatened or harassed, use these tools to block and report those cyberbullies. Don’t feed the trolls: Often, the situation only gets worse if you engage with bullies or other trolls online. They are looking for a reaction, even more so if you start being intimidated by them. Rather ignore, report and block them, and alert your parents. Keep evidence: Always keep a record of your communications with these cyberbullies. Take screen shots before they can delete their conversations/thread. If things escalate, this evidence can be helpful for parents, teachers, or the relevant authorities. Reach out for help: Do not feel alone when it comes to cyberbullying. Talk to someone you trust about what is happening. Reach out to your parents, teachers, or your school guidance counsellor. They can provide you with support and help you take the appropriate course of action. Educate yourself and help others: Being forewarned is being forearmed. The best thing to do is to use online resources to teach yourself about cyberbullying, identifying the signs, and even how it can impact your personal life. Show your friends and family to help keep them safe as well. Install security software: For example, the Kaspersky Safe Kids all-in-one app for digital parenting and family wellbeing makes parent control easy at an affordable price. With this solution, parents can monitor their children online and offline through things like GSP tracking and getting reports of their online activities. It also hides inappropriate content with Web filtering and Safe Search options while preventing specific apps and Web sites from being opened. Kaspersky Safe Kids solution is available within the Kaspersky Premium subscription – those purchasing it till June 22nd can benefit from getting a 33% discount due to a current Cyber promo campaign. About Kaspersky Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.co.za.  

July 7, 2023
Parenting Hub

Educational gaming shows developmental benefits

There can be no denying the pervasive influence of digital platforms and devices in households around the country. The ubiquity of these devices and the habits we’ve built around them worries some parents who question the wisdom of this digital fixation, especially at a young age. This is uncharted territory for most parents, largely because they never knew digital overload in the way that new devices and capabilities like VR, AR and the metaverse have transformed experiences. The truth is that we’re all learning as we go along, even though there is a growing body of research into the impact of these digital activities. At Nedbank we believe in the good that technology can do, from digital innovation that puts you in full control of your finances to the metaverse and beyond. We believe that when done correctly, and with the right motivations, technology can do more good than harm. Nedbank has invested heavily in digital technology over the past few years, setting up presence in the metaverse in 2022 and becoming the first bank in Africa to launch its own game on a popular gaming platform. The latest innovation is launching a tycoon-style game called Chow Town on popular multi-player gaming platform, Roblox. In this game, players manage a restaurant selling uniquely South African dishes, learning basic entrepreneurial skills as they unlock new features in the game. “It might seem strange for a bank to launch a Roblox game, but our aim is to leverage digital platforms to offer alternative experiences to engage, surprise and delight our clients,” says Stelios Vakis, Chief Information Officer: Nedbank Africa Regions. “Roblox is incredibly popular among children aged between 9 and 12 years, which is exactly the right age to start learning about entrepreneurship and making good money choices. We believe that Chow Town gives us the opportunity to nurture entrepreneurial skills and offer an educational experience for tweens in a relatable environment to help them learn important life lessons,” he adds This move is backed by research that shows that online is where it’s at for the vast majority of our younger population. Platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite are some of the most recognisable names for their ability to let players gather and play together. Developmental benefits While being fully aware of the risks inherent in unsupervised online access, gaming platforms have shown that they can serve a greater purpose by developing certain skillsets that players can apply in other aspects of their life. Such is the interest in the cognitive and development benefits of online gaming, that a recent study explored the possibility of introducing game-based standardised assessments in education because they can test more complex skills than traditional tests. The paper suggests that video games have the potential to be a valuable educational tool for students, with the capacity to develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The authors argue that video games can help students develop cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, as well as social and emotional skills, like teamwork and empathy. As a result, they suggest that video games should be integrated into the classroom as an educational tool, although they do caution against excessive use of video games. Purpose-driven gaming Nedbank’s game on Roblox builds on this ability for gaming to teach essential skills. Chow Town’s purpose is to let players learn how to grow a successful business that sells international and uniquely South African foods. Reaching certain milestones unlocks new content and menu items, allowing the player to further expand the business and develop their entrepreneurial skills. The nature of the online environment allows players to experiment with different strategies, and if they fail they don’t suffer any real losses. This ability to fail without real consequences is seen as essential to nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs by teaching them to manage their finances. Observe and encourage With digital platforms and engagement advancing at such a rapid pace, it’s only natural that concerned parents want to ensure their loved ones are safe online. But rather than a blanket ban on engaging with others on online platforms, it’s advisable to carefully oversee online activity and step in when needed. Its only human nature to want what you can’t have, and forbidding an activity is more likely to encourage youngsters to find a way to join their friends. No matter the risks. Rather, a pragmatic approach is needed to enable youngsters to learn and benefit from curated or supervised online activities. This could include vetting screen time, games and platforms to ensure that others are not abusing your child’s desire to learn or play in a fun, safe environment. There is no doubt we need to protect our young, but in doing so we also need to take responsibility by knowing what they’re doing, who with, and where.

July 6, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

WHY YOUR TEEN NEEDS PRIVACY

As parents we feel a certain pride when our teens stake out their rights to more and more autonomy.  After all, it’s a natural and necessary evolution from childhood to adulthood, a signifier that our ‘child is alright’ and that we are doing a ‘good enough’ job at parenting.  However, as our teens carve out more independence for themselves in a world complicated by a vast digital realm that holds both known and unknown dangers, many parents are feeling compelled to put safety first in ways that can compromise their child’s privacy. Why is privacy so important to teens? Adolescence, the transition from childhood to adulthood, is marked by developing independence and identity.  Lekha Daya, a Counselling Psychologist and Senior Psychologist for the Panda app, a provider of free and low-cost mental healthcare in South Africa, says, “Teens are looking to the future and exploring the possibilities of the adult they will become. Some space from parents and their family, as they take charge of their own narrative for the first time and look outwards to fitting into society at large, is to be expected.  The freedom to explore and experiment with different facets of identity goes hand-in-hand with a need for greater privacy as they navigate their unique sense of independence of thought and behaviour.” Many parents innately recognise and understand this important psycho-social development stage and they have no difficulties in respecting their teens’ need for privacy and clearer boundaries.  However, the challenge of keeping teens safe online is presenting a conundrum for many parents, especially those who are actively cultivating trust-based relationships with their increasingly independent children. Mother and tech innovator, Rachelle Best, the founder of AI-based app FYI play it safe, says, “As a parent of a 15 year old daughter, it was unacceptable for me to be scrolling through her online chats.  This type of device checking is too invasive, and it erodes trust and happiness in the parent-child relationship.  That was my inspiration for the development of a non-invasive monitoring tool that balances the need to protect my daughter while still respecting her right to privacy.” Trusting your teen makes an impact on their development Affording your child privacy is an act of both love and trust which promotes their healthy development.  Daya says, “Trusting your teen means you trust them to make good decisions, behave appropriately, and decide what information they need or want to share with you and others. Trust goes both ways. Your child needs to trust that you respect their right to have privacy and a say in decisions about their life. When you and your child have mutual trust, you’ll have better communication. Your child will also be more likely to come to you when they need help. Teens’ development can be positively influenced by a trusting relationship with parents and caregivers as it encourages a growth mindset and builds confidence in their own abilities and sense of responsibility.” A question that parents might ask themselves is: How much privacy is appropriate?  Daya suggests a ‘need to know’ yardstick.  She explains, “There are some things you need to know, such as where your child is going to be on Saturday night, how they’re getting there and back, and whether there’ll be alcohol or adult supervision. But there are other things that can be private between your child and their friends – for example, what they talked about at a party, or who they danced with.” Practical ways to respect your child’s privacy include: Knocking before going into their room Giving them space to talk with their friends Asking before looking in or getting things out of their school bag Daya says, “It can also help to discuss privacy with your child, set some ground rules and work out some boundaries. These can be changed as your child gets older. You might also want to talk about situations where you’d need to cross the agreed boundaries. For example, this could be when you’re really worried that something isn’t right with your child.” Child’s privacy no-no’s include: Listening to their telephone conversations Looking at things in their room or in their drawers  Reading their diary or checking their email account ‘Friending’ them or communicating with them on social media if they don’t want you to Calling them to check on them all the time Balancing privacy and online safety Best recommends a high-quality level of communication with your teen around online safety is      the best starting point in protecting them.  The conversation about online safety needs to be ongoing, as the digital landscape is ever-changing.  Parents have to keep up and be well-educated about risks, trends, digital spaces available to their child and content that they could access.  A lack of this knowledge will inevitably lead to anxiety and fears of the unknown and acting in unhelpful ways that your teen may resist, which will in turn erode goodwill in your relationship.  The FYI play it safe app continuously stays updated with the ongoing changes and risks, so parents don’t have to know everything all the time. To keep your children safer online, FYI play it safe recommends: Understanding age restrictions on the applications your child uses to give an indication of the type of content that they may encounter.  Going through the Ts and Cs of the apps – the apps may seem innocent at first, but you also have to ensure you agree with what the apps are allowed to do with your child’s data and pictures.  Activating full privacy settings – this include deactivating location settings, making sure that accounts are always set to “private” instead of public accounts and that strangers are not able to sent them direct messages. Setting up agreed screen time parameters for the family – this could be part of a digital contract between parents and their teens. Making use of parental controls and content filtering. This is a good way to filter content to ensure they don’t encounter anything that is not appropriate for their age.      Modelling good digital habits Talking about online safety continuously     Add a layer of protection through non-invasive device monitoring  Drawing

June 29, 2023
Parenting Hub

4 Ways Meta’s Family Center helps protect children and teens online

The Internet and social media platforms have evolved into spaces everyone can participate in. More and more young people are coming online to connect with their family and friends over things that matter to them. It’s important for parents to have open and honest dialogues with their teens about online safety, empowering themselves to stay safe online using free tools and resources available. Meta works with experts in mental health, child psychology, digital literacy and more, to build features and tools so people can connect online safely and responsibly. In addition to offering a wide range of online safety and privacy tools across its platforms, Meta’s newly launched Family Center in South Africa, is an online portal that gives power to parents and provides them with the means to safeguard their children and teens. Available across Meta technologies such as Instagram,  the Family Center offers tools and resources to manage digital experiences across digital ecosystems. Here are four ways Meta’s Family Center and platforms enable parents to support their children online. 1. Supervision tools By linking Meta accounts, parents can unlock a wide range of supervision tools that let them actively participate in their child’s digital activity. And, while teenagers don’t always think it’s cool that parents are on the app too, having an online presence can be very beneficial. Using Family Center on Instagram, parents can monitor who their teens are following and who follows them, as well as how much they spend on the platform every day. They can also set daily time limits to manage the time spent scrolling. 2. Education Hub Not every parent knows how to approach the topic of online safety, or how to enforce it. That’s why Family Center’s Education Hub is an invaluable resource, providing parents with tips, insight, and comprehensive articles that help them and their families navigate online spaces. Education Hub features expert input from leading parental organisations that specialise in media literacy, safety and communication, privacy, and overall digital well-being. 3. Healthy habits South Africans are hooked on social media platforms, spending an average of three hours and 44 minutes online each day – more than the global average. Spending so much time online can result in us developing habits, which is why it’s vital that young people develop healthy ones. For teens on Instagram, the ‘Take a Break’ feature allows them to make informed decisions and take control of how much time they spend on the app. If a user has spent a certain amount of time scrolling, Instagram will ask them if they want to take a break and suggest setting reminders to take more breaks in the future. In January Meta also introduced Quiet Mode on Instagram, a new feature to help people focus and to encourage them to set boundaries with their friends and followers. For example, when you turn on Quiet Mode, you won’t receive any notifications, your profile’s activity status will change to let people know you’re in Quiet Mode, and Meta will automatically send an auto-reply when someone sends you a DM. Meta is making Quiet Mode available to everyone on Instagram globally in the coming weeks. 4. Privacy by default A big part of being in online spaces is the level of privacy those spaces provide. As such, there should always be privacy safeguards in place that determine what information other users can and cannot see. For instance, Facebook users under the age of 16 are defaulted to certain privacy settings. This includes who can see their friends list, the people and Pages they follow, posts that they’re tagged in, and who can comment on their public posts. These are just some of the ways that platforms like Facebook and Instagram work to maintain online safety and privacy. “It’s only by taking a holistic approach, by offering comprehensive resources and effective methods to set and monitor boundaries, that we can make a real difference in young people’s lives. We want to help them connect and foster relationships in a safe and secure environment,” said Sylvia Musalagani, Safety Policy Manager for Africa, Middle East and Turkey at Meta.

June 28, 2023
Parenting Hub

WHAT IS CYBERSICKNESS? SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explores the phenomenon of cybersickness, which has emerged as a notable concern in the digital age. Cybersickness, or virtual reality sickness or simulation sickness, is a term used to describe symptoms that can occur when there is a disconnect between what someone sees on a screen and how their body feels. “Have you ever experienced light-headedness or nausea while scrolling through social media or browsing the web? If so, you may have had an episode of cyber sickness,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Similar to motion sickness, which is common on boats, in cars, and on amusement park rides for many people, cybersickness can happen when your senses send conflicting signals to your brain. This phenomenon can occur while using multiple screens, attending virtual meetings where someone else controls the screen, or simply scrolling on your smartphone or computer.” What Is the Cause of Cybersickness? The exact cause of cybersickness is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a mismatch between visual and vestibular (balance) cues.  When the brain receives visual information that suggests motion or movement, the body does not feel it (such as playing video games or using virtual reality headsets). It can cause disorientation and other cybersickness symptoms. Signs And Symptoms Symptoms of cybersickness can include: Nausea Dizziness Headaches Eye strain Fatigue Sweating A Word on Mental Wellness In addition to the physical symptoms, cybersickness can also harm mental health, as physical symptoms can lead to feelings of frustration, disappointment, and even anxiety. The constant stimulation and information overload that technology provides can also contribute to feelings of burnout. How To Prevent Cybersickness  Fortunately, several strategies can help to prevent or manage cybersickness. Some of these strategies include: Taking Frequent Breaks Taking frequent breaks from screens, or virtual reality environments can help to reduce the risk of developing cybersickness. Experts recommend taking breaks every 20-30 minutes to give the brain a chance to adjust. Limiting Exposure Limiting exposure to screens or virtual reality environments can also help prevent cybersickness. This may mean limiting gaming time, using virtual reality headsets, or using screens or devices in moderation. Adjusting Settings Adjusting the settings on screens or virtual reality devices can help reduce cybersickness symptoms. This may include adjusting the field of view, reducing the screen’s brightness, or adjusting the motion sensitivity. Staying Hydrated Staying hydrated can help minimise cybersickness symptoms, as dehydration can exacerbate symptoms like nausea and headaches. Managing Stress Stress can aggravate symptoms of cybersickness, so managing stress levels through activities like exercise, meditation, or deep breathing is essential. Using Medication In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to manage cybersickness symptoms. This may include anti-nausea medication or medication to manage symptoms like headaches. “As technology continues to advance, more people will likely be exposed to screens and virtual reality environments, and the risk of cybersickness may increase,” adds Hewlett. “It is important for individuals to be aware of cybersickness symptoms and to take steps to prevent or manage it. Researchers also need to continue studying cybersickness to understand its causes better and develop effective strategies for prevention and management. By working together, we can minimise the negative effects of cybersickness and make technology a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.” About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

June 12, 2023
Parenting Hub

WHY ANDROID DEVICES ARE SAFER FOR KIDS

The debates about whether children should own smartphones, and if so, at what age, have become a very modern parenting dilemma.  There are no ‘right or wrong’ answers to these ‘Big Questions’ about kids and smartphones.  The near-universal uptake of smartphones for children, at increasingly younger ages, is a clear indication that today’s parents mostly believe that the benefits of their children owning smartphones outweigh the risks.  It’s hard to argue against the convenience of an always-connected family or the many valuable opportunities for children to engage in the digital world.  That doesn’t mean that parents aren’t uneasy about their decision to put a smartphone in their child’s hands.  Although research on this topic is currently limited, it is understandable that parents worry about the impact of prolonged screen exposure on their growing child’s cognitive and social development.  However, there’s plenty of evidence that Internet-connected devices increase children’s vulnerability to encountering inappropriate and harmful content, as well as being subjected to online bullying, harassment, and grooming. This raises, perhaps, the more pertinent Big Question when it comes to kids and their internet-connected devices – How do we keep them safe online?  Luckily, parents now have access to a wide range of parental control tools that are designed to address this concern. It’s important to recognise that online safety starts with the careful selection of a smartphone or tablet.  Both Android smartphones and iPhones offer some built-in parental control features that empower parents with functionalities like app restrictions, screen time limits, content filters, usage reports and location tracking. While experts may not fully agree on this matter, there’s a growing inclination towards Android devices as particularly safer for children because they are more customisable, enabling parents to set up an extensive ecosystem of online safety that is far more robust than just using the device’s standard controls. Rachelle Best, CEO and Founder of the AI-powered monitoring app, FYI play it safe, highlights the need for parents to employ a combination of strategies to create a robust ecosystem for online safety. She says, “Android smartphones offer more flexibility, so parents have more choices available, and it’s easier and more effective to implement a comprehensive safety solution for their children. What is important to note is that whether an Android phone is safer for your child ultimately depends on how it is configured and used.  Built-in parental controls offer only a basic foundation and don’t come with advanced features. This means that they are not sufficient as a stand-alone solution.  It’s quite common for parents to discover that their children find ways to bypass standard screen time limits and app restrictions.  To establish an effective ecosystem for your family’s online safety, parents should complement parental controls with advanced monitoring solutions like FYI play it safe.  Additionally, fostering a family culture of open communication when it comes to online threats and staying safer is essential.” In addition to the greater scope of customisation, there are several compelling reasons why many parents choose android devices for their children: Superior content control: Android devices enable less integration between apps and messaging services and have more controls on content access within individual apps.  This makes it easier for parents to prevent children from inadvertently engaging with inappropriate or harmful content. Extensive app store selection: Android has a larger app store offering parents more options when it comes to parental controls and device monitoring.  This ensures that you have access to the latest and most advanced safety and security apps to keep your child safer. Varied price range: Android offers a much wider range of devices at an array of price points.  It’s easy to find a phone or tablet that fits your family budget. Personalised user accounts: Parents can set up multiple user accounts on an Android phone or tablet, each with different restrictions and permissions, so that parents can easily customise their controls for each child in the family. The FYI play it safe app, which is now available on Google Play, draws on AI and ML to monitor the content of children’s online activity across multiple devices in real-time and provides parents with proactive alerts when their children are exposed to online risks.  It monitors all the content that the child engages with, including social media, in-game and instant messaging chats.  New accounts and apps are included by default without parents needing their child’s account credentials.  Best says, “Securing FYI play it safe’s spot on Google Play is a significant milestone in our mission to keep children safer online. The app’s presence on the platform not only increases our visibility to millions of Android users but provides parents with the reassurance that FYI play it safe is a reliable solution to help them improve their family’s online safety. The streamlined installation process simplifies the user experience, making it more convenient for families to adopt our technology and join us in creating a safer digital environment for children worldwide.”

May 24, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

Chat apps – the devil you think you know…

Towards the end of 2020, WhatsApp made a big announcement that they would be updating their privacy policy applicable to all the WhatsApp users. At that stage, WhatsApp’s privacy policies already granted the sharing of personal information to Facebook, but limited to the phone numbers and device information. The update to the policy would allow WhatsApp to also share payment and transaction data to better target advertisements and expand the ecommerce capabilities. WhatsApp received significant backlash from users with a lot of users starting to investigate alternatives before the effective date of the new privacy policy. Many people, including groups of families and circles of friends, migrated to Signal and Telegram. Almost a year later, at the end of 2021, we have to ask: “The devil you know, or the devil you don’t?” FYI play it safe received a message from an enlightened parent. As a family, they decided to swap WhatsApp for Telegram. They were not aware of the risks of this new chat app and didn’t know about the security settings that should be set – especially if children use the app. This parent started noticing a change in their teenager’s behaviour and investigated by going through her Telegram messages. The app allows people to discover and chat to people “nearby” and also have “nearby groups”. She started dabbling in drugs, because it was super easy for her to buy what she wanted and to start experimenting. What started off with a bit of weed, progressed to harder drugs, which quickly escalated to heroin addiction.  Fortunately, her father intervened and responded with urgency and together, they found the right support. Well done, Dad! When you are starting to use an app, and more importantly, when your children start to explore new apps, make sure to go into each setting and select the most private and most secure options. It is equally important to discuss this with your children and explain to them why you are putting these security measures in place. Location services on chat-type apps should never be allowed and all the necessary private information should only be visible to your child’s contacts.  FYI play it safe monitors the contents of every single app. Whether your child is doing a Google search, chatting with his online gaming-friends in a chat room, or using social media. As parents, you don’t have to read through thousands of messages to really know what’s going on, because FYI play it safe does that for you and will alert you if your child is exposed to a potentially harmful situation. Monitoring includes signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, when they talk to strangers or predators, or if they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or any form of drugs. Be the cyber-smart parent. FYI play it safe is the one app no parent should be without. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial.

May 15, 2023
Social Kids

My kid is not online

Sure, you might think this, but the reality is, if they’re watching YouTube, playing games on your phone or streaming TV – they are online. Would you rather your child learns how to navigate this world from their peers or through trial and error?  Studies have shown that teenage suicide has increased with the growth of cyberbullying. Cybercriminals do not discriminate on age; they attack anyone who is online and unprotected.  Unexpected purchases happen from more pop-ups and ads that interrupt games than ever before. We live in a digital world; your child was born to a screen and the loving arms of mom and dad. Screens are a part of our lives, there is no getting away from it.  Social Kids was founded out of a concern for what children are being exposed to at a young age with little to no control. The purpose of the course is to equip children with the skills to STOP. Think. Before they click.  The content has been developed to be fun, engaging and memorable, along with an amazing team of professionals and many hours of research coupled with 20 years of digital marketing experience, this program was created to protect their own child and others like him.  Social Kids is a series of pre-recorded videos to be watched over 5 weeks. There are five 20-minute videos. Each adventure tackles essential topics like how to be SMART online, deal with cyberbullies, spot fake new and having good manners online. Codey Crawler with his BFF Miss Nadie, a professional teacher guides the conversation to show children how they can approach these topics and keep talking to their loved ones.  After each adventure, children must complete activities to earn digital badges. Once these adventures have been completed, children will receive a Global Surfer button and a certificate of achievement. Giving you the confidence that your child can face any situation that may find them, either now or later in life.  Join Codey Crawler as he helps to guide our children through the digital world they play and learn in. Codey will give children aged 7 to 11 years old the confidence and guidance to surf the net, know their rights and handle uncomfortable situations before their tweens.  Register today and save!    

May 10, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

Cellphones, social media and your child’s mental wellbeing

Smartphones and tablets are here to stay. In fact, these devices are becoming an integral part of our future and the careers our children will eventually choose. We don’t want to deprive them from participating in the digital world, but as parents, we are concerned about the impact of cell phones, social media, and their online interactions on our children’s mental wellbeing.  Also, parents sometimes get stuck thinking about our children as the innocent toddlers and kids they were. The harder reality that we are faced with is that, even when we think they are ‘innocence impersonated’, they are subjected to an amount of peer-pressure and they participate in an online world that we cannot fully comprehend. Our children are exposed to an environment where they are constantly inundated with new apps, new online friends (who they have or have not met), new information and a new way of balancing their digital activity and reality.  Although we believe we can relate, we still talk about their “digital” and their “real” lives. The fact is that growing up in this age, children don’t have this distinction. To them, digital is part of their real lives. Let’s sit with that for a bit…  Most tweens and teenagers go through a phase of getting stuck in their minds rather than talk about everything. When they encounter events that bother them, whether in person or online, their first port of call may not be their parents. They fear that when they speak up about difficult situations and their parents try to intervene (or interfere), that the situation will get worse.  This could happen when they are being bullied or cyberbullied or when they have seen content that their minds can’t really deal with at that age. They may also encounter content such as pornography or sexting that cause them to feel guilt and shame, but remaining curious to engage even more. A significant number of children who are being cyberbullied or are exposed to inappropriate content online unfortunately turn to self-harm as a coping technique. At their age, we can not expect them to have all the emotional tools to help them open up a conversation about how they are feeling and reaching out to someone who can help them. Especially when they are feeling vulnerable and afraid. Sometimes self-harm could lead to suicidal ideation, which is the most scary thought for us, as their parents.  When our children are exposed to these situations, they need our help more than ever. They need advice from parents or caregivers to guide them on this journey. But for parents, not knowing when or how this happens means that we can’t protect their minds or their thoughts and unless they talk to us about it, we seldom have any way of knowing. Some parents keep a close eye on all the devices in the home, but with all our time constraints, it is so easy to miss something small that could lead to a bigger issue. Now, more than ever, we have to spend time building better and closer relationships with our children, to ensure they know that we are their safe space. We have to create a space to have conversations about the difficult topics like pornography, sexting, self-harm and bullying, to name a few. We also have to ensure that we have the information at hand to discuss actual difficult situations they encounter, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Where our guidance actively influences the content they search for, post and like on social media. Where we have the opportunity to guide them on who they accept as friends or which messages on chats they react to and more importantly, how they respond. If you are a parent who would really like to know what’s going on in your child’s online conversations, without invading their privacy, join FYI play it safe today. FYI play it safe will send you an alert when your child is exposed to potentially harmful situations.  Go to www.fyiplayitsafe.com and start your 7-day free trial. 

May 8, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

What parents need to know about cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is one of the online threats that parents dread the most.  It’s covert and insidious, sometimes tricky to put your finger on, and hard to stop.  It’s also frighteningly common and widespread, affecting children from around 10 to 18 years. Unchecked, cyberbullying can have serious consequences.  Apart from the garden variety pain and distress it can cause, cyberbullying can lead vulnerable children to self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. It’s a bona fide worst nightmare for parents, often provoking an intense emotional response. Unlike bullying that your child can walk away from in the schoolyard, an online bully can effortlessly violate the safe space of home to harass and hurt your child 24/7.  All types of bullying can evoke a strong sense of shame, as well as anxiety about retribution if a child reveals what is happening to them to adults.  Many bullied children and teens suffer in silence and secrecy which only compounds the negative impacts on them. Why your parental reaction to cyberbullying is so important When it comes to cyberbullying, children do think about how their parents might respond; and if they fear their parents may over-react or intervene in a way that worsens the situation, they may choose to rather not speak to their parents about what is happening to them. They may also fear that parents will take away their devices, impose new limits on their internet access or invade their privacy in some way. According to Registered Counsellor, Gurshwen Thöle who is the Counselling Centre Manager at the SACAP Foundation: The Youth Hub, parents need to know that cyberbullying is prevalent across a range of online platforms, and that the perpetrator may well be unknown in person to their child.  He says, “Cyberbullying is often anonymous, making it very difficult to address.  It happens frequently via instant messaging apps, in game chat rooms, via email and across social media platforms.  It’s vital not only to be monitoring your child’s activities online but to also have a functional relationship so that you can quickly identify signs of change in your child’s behaviour.  Frequent, open communications about cyberbullying – what it is, how to identify it and what to do if it happens; creates a high-level of awareness in your family and shows your children that you are ready and able to calmly and effectively support and act to stop cyberbullying.” Cyberbullying impacts on mental health Techpreneur and FYI play it safe app Founder, Rachelle Best, who conducts illuminating one-on-one interviews with South African teens for the podcast, Sip the Tea says, “So far, every teen I have chatted to has a story about cyberbullying to share. If it hasn’t happened to them directly, then they still know someone in their immediate circle of friends who has been bullied online.  I have spoken to a girl who turned to self-harm due to being bullied, which is heart-breaking.  Another surprise may be the prevalence of cyberbullying when it comes to boys.  We tend to think of bullying amongst boys being much more about them pushing each other around physically, but cyberbullying amongst boys is common.  A number of boys participating in Sip the Tea so far have had stories to tell of being bullied online because of their weight, or their physical appearance.” Gurshwen says, “The most concerning mental health impacts as a result of cyberbullying are depression and anxiety. These states can lead to suicidal ideation, self-harm activities, and plans to commit suicide, which is commonly seen in the news today. The signs that a child might be experiencing cyberbullying could include becoming withdrawn, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, changes in social behaviour, irritability, becoming angry or aggressive, talking about suicide and how meaningless life can be, self-isolation, distancing from activities they once enjoyed. Cyberbullying can cause long-term mental health complications that children can experience well into their adulthood.” What should you do if your child is being bullied online? Firstly, it’s important to stay calm, and respond rationally.  Don’t blame your child or point fingers at the time they spend online or playing a game you don’t like.    Resist any urge you have to take away devices or impose new limits on their connectivity.  None of this is your child’s fault, and they should not feel punished because it has happened to them. Gurshwen says, “Be supportive of your child and acknowledge how this experience has made them feel.   Parents should not judge, criticize, or make their child feel guilty for what has happened to them. It’s important to determine whether you need to seek professional help for your child so that they can manage the effects of the cyberbullying. You need to consider ways to protect your child from further cyberbullying and this may include reporting the matter to the police, school, or a cyberbullying helpline.  There are various ways to take action, and you should involve your child in finding a solution.” Rachelle of FYI play it safe recommends: Tell the bully to stop – you can support your child to stand up to the bully by calling out their behaviour and insisting that it stops. Block the bully – this can be highly effective when you do not know the bully.  Blocking them and reporting them to the platform can get the bully out of your child’s life.  However, if the cyberbullying has crossed the line into a cybercrime, you may want to keep the connection so that you can rather report them to the police, ask for a criminal case to be opened against them and hand over the proof you have on your child’s device.  Blocking and reporting on most platforms means that the history is deleted. Take it up with the bully’s parents or a supporter at school – if the bully is in your child’s friend or school circles, then you can explore whether opening up conversations can help to remedy the situation.  Make sure your child is comfortable with this approach. Disengage, but otherwise do

May 4, 2023
EZ Learn Books

ChatGPT: Friend or Foe?

When ChatGPT first emerged from the woodwork the teaching fraternity suddenly became very concerned about plagiarism. From having to train our students not to cut and paste from websites that had been found using Google or other search engines, now there is an AI that can actually write the entire essay and create different essays for each students providing the same question! As is in my nature, I quietly sat back and watched and waited a little. I was thinking, ‘Yes, but Google makes learning so much more interesting these days when used properly!’ I have always encouraged my students to use their devices in the classroom to help us find answers to questions during a class discussion. These days I even encourage students to use it to find out more about a topic when completing assignments while still learning the content in order to deepen their knowledge. Surely ChatGPT might be used in similarly interesting new ways in the classroom instead of being relegated to the back corner? (Don’t) do my homework for me Although any child can use ChatGPT to do their homework, they will quickly realise that if they don’t enter a question VERY carefully, they are likely to get answers that don’t necessarily provide the required material. Of course, I could not resist the temptation to put this AI to work for me. As I wrote this, ChatGPT carried out my instruction to ‘Write an article for an online parenting magazine with the title, ‘ChatGPT: Friend or Foe’. Unfortunately, it produced a very bland ho-hum discussion of AI assisting parenting with the use of Chatbots, scheduling and home automation before bombing out in red and requiring me to reload. Not exactly what I was looking for … It’s second attempt was a little more promising, focusing on the pros and cons of ChatGPT in a wonderfully superficial manner. Perfect for light reading with tea when you don’t want to think too hard. My daughter is currently in Grade 12 and has already figured out that if tempted to use the AI to do her homework, anything produced won’t be of the standard she requires to get her As and Bs.  From a teacher’s perspective, the risks of lazy students using this new technology abound. However, teachers usually know their students well enough to detect something fishy. I could always tell when material had been copied directly from elsewhere and would simply enter the sentence into Google, which would promptly point me in the direction of the source. My students were very surprised when I quoted their source to them, and quickly learnt to produce original material instead. Similarly, one can simply ask ChatGPT ‘Did you write this?’ Plagiarism detection sorted!  Referencing Any piece of writing that uses information from elsewhere should be correctly referenced, yet ChatGPT does not provide references unless specifically asked. As an Accounting teacher, my research and referencing skills are woeful, yet even I realise the importance of providing information about where my facts and ideas come from. Unfortunately, even when specifically asked, ChatGPT often references incorrectly. As my sister, a freelance journalist, points out, ‘I feel like I’d end up spending way more time fact checking then I could possibly save on doing my own research.’ She pointed me in the direction of Ben Davis’s article explaining how he discovered the hilarious contradictions in his exploration of art theory and AI using ChatGPT. Numerous fictitious references are given, and ridiculous contradictory statements made. Ben Davis concludes that ChatGPT ‘is an application for sounding like an expert, not for being an expert.’ Rather apt, in my view.  Capabilities and limitations From a parenting perspective, it is good to know that it is trained to decline inappropriate requests. This means that it won’t enter into discussion on topics that may not be age appropriate. It also means that if students are required to respond to a question relating to sensitive topics in their setworks in the higher grades, ChatGPT will be unable to provide them with a suitable response.  Limitations are that ChatGPT can make mistakes and was trained on material on the Internet up to 2021 so later information may not yet be at its disposal. It was trained on information on the Internet, not all of which is valid.  Let ChatGPT be the machine so we can be human At a recent eCommerce conference I attended I was amazed to discover how many marketers are using ChatGPT to create copy for social media posts, blogs etc. and programmers are using it to do menial tasks in ways I don’t quite understand. It brings to mind the beginnings of automation in factories where machines were used to do the repetitive and boring tasks, allowing people to do more complex activities. Perhaps this is just another step in the latest developments of the digital revolution? The idea of letting an AI do the menial stuff while we can be the creative humans we were designed to be appeals to me hugely.  Now this is where it gets interesting. Instead of worrying about plagiarism, why not use this exciting new tool to play a little?  Let kids learn about referencing by letting them do some fact-checking of a ChatGPT-generated article with references? This might give them a much better idea of the importance of references, as well as how to reference correctly and use references to conduct further research. You could also take this further by letting them critique the article itself. Use the wonderful opportunity for kids to learn to question everything they read, and try to validate facts for themselves. Let them ask a question and then verify the information that has been generated. I know Wikipaedia and Google Translate are often pooh-poohed as valid educational resources, but I would argue that if one needs a basic introduction to a topic or a simple translation, these tools are invaluable as a starting point from which one can then diverge and explore further. In much

April 18, 2023
FYI Play it Safe

A SAFETY GUIDE TO GIVING YOUR CHILD A FIRST PHONE

Getting a first smartphone has become the major milestone of modern childhood, and many families are starting off the year with a new connected user in their midst.  Children are getting phones younger than ever, and parents need to be well-prepared.  Much like a teen getting their first car, the first smartphone brings greater freedom, but also more danger. Just like you wouldn’t hand over the keys to a first car without making sure your child can safely and legally drive, parents need to lay the groundwork for their child’s secure and responsible use of a device that opens up to them an infinite digital realm with an abundance of dodgy alleyways and dark corners. Safety is rooted in open parent-child communications If you haven’t yet started to have hard conversations with your child, then expect their first smartphone to be a catalyst for this change in your relationship.  Their safety, as they navigate the internet and an array of digital platforms, should from now on be an open and ongoing conversation.  Amongst many, and endlessly emerging topics, you’re going to need to have discussions around online pornography, depictions of violence, sexting, grooming by online predators, catfishing, cyber harassment and cyberbullying, suicide-related content, disclosure of personal information and the Law. Rachelle Best, the CEO and Founder of FYI play it safe, an AI-powered monitoring app says, “Some parents think that if they use a parental control app, they can side-step conversations with their child that they will find awkward.  It’s important to realise that a parental control app is just one measure in a family’s internet security ecosystem, it can not and does not do it all.  Conversations about threats, safety measures and digital behaviour should start even before the handing over of a first phone, and then continue as a norm of family conversation.  Establishing a trusted practice of talking about threats, dangers and staying safe, means that when your child is facing a challenge, they will come to you to talk about how to handle the situation.” Best’s advice here underscores an important point – your goal in keeping your child safe on the internet should not be to police every site they visit or pore over every chat they have with their friends.  What’s important is to help your child develop digital literacy and gain the skills they need to become responsible digital citizens capable of handling problems on their own. So, what do parents need to know and do about internet safety? Be aware – You can’t help your child navigate risks and threats that you don’t know about.  Take an ongoing interest in internet safety issues and keep up to date when it comes to the latest and emerging threats.  Be the trusted source of important online safety information for your child. Raise a responsible digital citizen – Your parenting extends from the real-world into the digital realm.  Educate yourself about South Africa’s recently promulgated Cybercrimes Act and keep abreast of digital etiquette and required standards of behaviour. Promote your family’s digital literacy – Encourage critical thinking and the rigorous verification of sources of information.  Help your children understand propaganda, disinformation, and misinformation, as well as the commercial incentives driving social media influencers and technologies enabling falsifications such as deep-fake videos. Understand the impacts of harmful content – In a significant development last year, a UK coroner’s inquest report identified that a 14-year-old UK girl’s viewing of online content via social media was a factor in her death by suicide.  At the hearing, it was reported that she binge-consumed suicide and depression content, and Pinterest and Instagram were highlighted.  Some of the content she engaged with wasn’t what she searched for but what algorithms served up for her.  Parents need to know that social media age limits do not work, and that there is harmful content across all social media platforms, which remain unregulated. Establish and maintain a family online safety ecosystem – A parental control app should be part of an online safety ecosystem, not the be-all and end-all of keeping your children safer online.  Some parents institute ‘device checks’ to periodically review their children’s online activity, however these types of inspections are time-consuming and often have a negative impact on the parent-child bond, especially for teens with their increasing needs for privacy and parental trust.  In addition, many instant messaging platforms now have a ‘disappearing messages’ feature that can be enabled to protect privacy.  This means that parents who inspect their children’s devices will not always see everything anyway.  Advanced solutions such as the FYI play it safe app draw on AI and ML to monitor the content of children’s online activity across mobile devices in real-time, and in a non-intrusive way to provide parents with proactive alerts. Best explains, “FYI play it safe monitors all apps and online interactions, including in-game chats.  New accounts and apps are included by default without the need for your child’s account credentials.  Yet, the app is not spyware, and it is not clandestine.  Instead, it provides parents and children with the opportunity to mutually agree on the best way to stay safe in the digital world, similar to providing your child with a helmet when they start riding a bike.  Parental alerts open the door to having important conversations about the content your child is engaging with or about the chats they are having with strangers online.  This is a solution that supports the goal of having open, trusting conversations about threats and dangers, and empowering your child to make responsible and smart decisions about their online activity.” Getting a first smartphone is an exciting and fun milestone for your child.  There are so many benefits for a connected child, from the boost of safety in the real-world to the discovery of new information, interests and connections that can enrich their lives.  Opening up communications, setting reasonable ground rules and establishing a family online safety ecosystem are the basics for your child to be able

January 23, 2023
Parenting Hub

Top tips to keep kids safer online

While there may be a good dose of fearmongering around child online safety, the risks are still real, and parents need to understand them so that they are empowered to take action to protect their families.  Cyberbullying, exposure to harmful and inappropriate content, and grooming by online predators are the stuff of parents’ nightmares.  However, on the plus side, there’s also a robust cybersecurity ecosystem offering significant tools that help parents to protect their families. The digital realm is rich with opportunities for our kids to explore, learn and connect.  As parents, we don’t want to stand in the way of that.  But, it’s also a Wild West when it comes to cybercrime.  The 2022 Parent Guide for child online safety reports that 68% of child internet activity is not monitored by parents and 85% of parents are putting devices into their kids’ hands just to keep them busy.  “One of the biggest hurdles to keeping kids safe online is a parent’s lack of knowledge of the cyber spaces where their kids are active.  Many parents sanction their kids having social media accounts without much clue about how those platforms actually work,” explains cybersecurity expert and GoldPhish CEO, Dan Thornton. Some parents aren’t aware that the games their kids play have online chatrooms where they are engaging freely with strangers.  There are parents who are unaware that recreational drugs are sold online to minors, or who think it’s impossible that their kid may engage with pornographic or suicide ideation content. This raises the risks that their child could become a victim, or even a perpetrator of cybercrime.  It also flies in the face of data – Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, reported in 2019 that 79% of internet users aged 12 to 15 years experienced at least one potentially harmful interaction online over a 12 month period. “As parents we instruct, guide and model behaviours for our children so that they can succeed and make a positive contribution to the world.  We teach them all sorts of things to keep themselves safe and ensure they don’t cause harm to others.  Today, this vital parental role has to include the fast and ever-changing digital environment.  Our kids are not just citizens in the physical world, they are digital citizens too.  This demands that parents take a keen interest in ensuring that they are cyber savvy, and that they make good use of the latest cybersecurity tools that help to keep families safer,” notes Thornton.  There are three steps parents need to take to becoming cyber savvy: Be informed – when it comes to your child’s safety, ignorance is not bliss.  Know exactly where they are engaging online through games, websites and apps on their phones.  Understand those platforms, how they operate and the risks to minors.  Make sure your kids are only playing age-appropriate games and don’t let them sign up for social media accounts when they are under-age. Talk to your kids about online safety – open, trusted communications are your best route to keeping your child safe online.  Just as you are in the physical world, be their first-line of protection in online spaces.  Educate them about the risks and the warning signs.  Let them know that they can and should come to you with their concerns.  Educate them about privacy and the importance of not publishing or sharing their personal data, which includes your credit card details!  Keep abreast of evolving cyber safety risks and talk through these as a family. Deploy the latest cybersecurity tools – a parental control app is just one layer of security, and it can’t possibly mitigate all the online risks.  The cybersecurity ecosystem for families is constantly evolving and latest tools include AI-driven apps that can alert parents to potentially risky child engagements with people and content online across multiple devices.  This empowers the parent to step in at the moment of risk and ignite conversations and take actions that can keep their child safer online.

October 5, 2022
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