Say 'no' to 'secret friendships'
Precautions needed when using the internetThere's no doubt about the advantages which the internet has brought to all our lives, but care needs to be taken about how our children use it, was the message from a recent talk event in CPC, writes Brian Byrne.
It was organised by Kilcullen GAA's Juvenile division, and also included advice on the dangers of illegal drugs in sport and in everyday life.
"The internet is good, but you have to use it in the right way," he said. "And things have been made much more complicated by the proliferation of devices by which you can access the internet."
These have moved from computer-only to smartphones, games machines, tablets and smart TVs. The evolution means that young people are much more subject to downsides of the internet such as cyber-bullying and exposure to harmful content.
The vastly-expanded facility for users to generate their own internet content has also raised issues for privacy and digital 'footprints' which could have long-term consequences. "For instance, when somebody is looking for a job, it's routine now for companies to look online and see what they can find out about the person. Pictures and other material posted on sites like Facebook on a night out might make them wonder if that person is somebody they want to have in their company?"
He also warned about the amount of personal information which can be put online. "The best rule is, don't put anything in public on the internet that you wouldn't be prepared to hang outside your front door."
Liam, who has worked with Microsoft for 21 years, also played a video, 'Joe's Story', showing very graphically how cyber-bullying can happen, and also how it should be dealt with ... by the victim telling family, school authorities, and if necessary the gardai when it's happening.
"There have been too many very bad cases recently for anyone to believe this is just a schoolyard issue. In the old days, when somebody bullied you at school, you knew who it was. The anonymous nature of this kind of thing makes it much worse. Also, the technology means it can be happening 24/7."
For the parents, Liam had direct advice. Pay attention to what their children are watching. Have the computer in a central living area rather than in bedrooms. Set up a family email instead of children giving out personal emails. And teach their children to 'trust their instincts' if anything doesn't seem right.
For the young people, he said they should be very careful about giving out private information, choose a safe online name and address, and say 'no' to 'secret' friendships.
