# data[].attributes.headline
YOUR FAMILY'S GUIDE TO MASTERING THE WORLD WIDE WEB.........SAFELY!

# data[].attributes.subject
YOUR FAMILY'S GUIDE TO MASTERING THE WORLD WIDE WEB.........SAFELY!

# data[].attributes.headline
YOU CANNOT CONTROL WHAT IS ON THE INTERNET.....BUT YOU CAN CONTROL WHAT YOUR FAMILY SEES! 

# data[].attributes.subject
YOU CANNOT CONTROL WHAT IS ON THE INTERNET.....BUT YOU CAN CONTROL WHAT YOUR FAMILY SEES! 

# data[].attributes.body
The internet can be a scary and dangerous place for young wandering minds. This big dark place can be made all the more concerning with social media, chat apps, explicit images and streaming services. It is very possible that children will stumble across some inappropriate content whilst enjoying the freedom of internet surfing. While (unfortunately), you cannot control what is posted, you can moderate what young internet fanatics see! To learn more about your safe browsing options see:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Parental controls can filter the web, blocking inadvertent access to inappropriate websites. There are a variety of ways to do this, from configuring network-wide parental controls on your router to using the parental controls built into Windows or third-party software.

Web filtering is best used to restrict the web for young children, preventing them from accidentally wandering into the seedier corners of the Internet. Teenagers are adept at finding their ways around parental controls if they want to.

On Your Router

One of the easiest ways to set up parental controls is by configuring them on your router. Your router functions as the choke point where all the Internet traffic for your network flows through. Setting up parental controls here will allow you to perform web filtering for all the devices on your network - computers, smartphones, tablets, and even game consoles with built-in browsers.

Some routers ship with built-in parental controls. If your router has this feature, it will often be advertised on the box and will generally be explained in the manual. You can go to the router's web-based configuration pages and set up the parental controls for your network.

Many routers don't include parental controls, but you can use OpenDNS to set up parental controls on any router. To do this, you'll just need to change your router's DNS server settings to use OpenDNS. OpenDNS allows you to set up an account and configure web filtering - you can select different types of categories of websites to block. Websites you block will redirect to a "This site is blocked" message when visited on your network.

For more information about changing your router's settings, refer to its manual.

If you would like a device on your network not to be filtered, you can change its DNS server manually so it won't use OpenDNS. Of course, this means that anyone on your network can change their DNS server and bypass the filtering. Like we said, such filters can be helpful for your children, but a teenager can get around it.

On Windows 7

Windows 7 has some built-in parental controls that allow you to control what time a user account can log into the computer and what programs it can use. This is helpful if your kids use separate user accounts on your computer.

However, Windows 7 doesn't include a web filter. Microsoft does still offer Family Safety, a free program that allows you to set up web filtering on Windows 7. Install the Family Safety program on your Windows 7 computer and you'll be able to manage its settings from Microsoft's Family Safety website. The program is available as part of Microsoft's Windows Essentials package.

On Windows 8 or Windows 10

Windows 8 and Windows 10 have integrated parental controls that combine Windows 7's time limits and program access controls with Family Safety's web filtering and more new features. You can manage your settings and view reports from the same Family Safety website. All you need to do is check the "Is this a child's account?" box when setting up a new user account on Windows 8. The account will be marked as a child's account and can be managed from the Family Safety website online.

Read more about using parental controls on Windows 8.

With Third-Party Software

You can also turn to third-party parental controls. Many Internet security suites come with built-in parental controls. If you have a security suite installed on your computer, check if it has built-in parental controls.

There are also dedicated parental control solutions you can pay for, like the famous Net Nanny that everyone has heard of. However, you don't need to pay for a parental control solution. There are many other free web filtering solutions you can use. For example, Norton offers a free Norton Family parental control application that seems to be widely recommended. Try doing a search online and you'll find many other options that may fit your needs.

Of course, no parental controls are perfect. They won't block everything bad and may occasionally block something good. Sufficiently motivated teenagers can also get around them, if only by leaving your house and accessing the Internet elsewhere or using their smartphone.
Image Credit: San José Library on Flickr

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
4 Ways to Set Up Parental Controls On Your Home Network

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parental controls can filter the web, blocking inadvertent access to inappropriate websites. There are a variety of ways to do this, from configuring network-wide parental controls on your router to using the parental controls built into Windows or third-party software.

# data[].attributes.body
Most young people will attempt to convince their parents that they are safe online because they have 'strict' privacy settings. However, if you are 'friends' with your child on social media (obviously highly recommended!), then it is hard to ensure that these settings are sufficient, or are as strong as your child claims they are!

If you are unsure about what privacy settings are best suited for your child, utilise YouTube tutorials which provide step-by-step guides! It may also be worth setting up an alternative account so you can see what a general social media user can view on your child's account!

Below is a great YouTube video by Josh Shipp that explain online threats perfectly to young people!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Motivational Speaker for Teachers — Josh Shipp

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Internet Safety Tips for Teens - Helpful AND Funny

# data[].attributes.headline
THE BEST WAY TO KNOW IS BY KNOWING YOURSELF! 

# data[].attributes.subject
THE BEST WAY TO KNOW IS BY KNOWING YOURSELF! 

# data[].attributes.body
The ultimate way to know what kind of platform your child is using, is to use it yourself! What a better time to be reacquainted with your youth then joining the world of social media.

There are some concerning features of social media developing such as Snapchat map and Facebook secret messages. It is hard to know about these new features if you are not familiar with the platform - so jump on board to keep up-to-date with how your kids are using the net!

Better yet, add your child on the platform! This may take some negotiation - so good luck!

# data[].attributes.headline
EDUCATION SHOULDN'T JUST START IN THE HOME! 

# data[].attributes.subject
EDUCATION SHOULDN'T JUST START IN THE HOME! 

# data[].attributes.body
Whilst it is super important that conversations and expectations regarding cyber safety are addressed in the home, it is equally as important to ensure that this issue is addressed in schools alongside peers.

As with all areas of crime, morals, values and attitudes are developed during childhood. The message of cyber security should aim to set a shared value and understanding of safety, as well as an understanding of the implications of those who choose to stray from the norm.

It is important to ensure that your school is on the same page when it comes to education of cyber security. The Australian Federal Government has established National and State Education Department policies that offer guidance for not only students, but educators and family about cyber safety.

This is accompanied by education resource and programs to be utilised in and out of school.  See link to resources below!

Whilst you can take the initiative to ensure that the appropriate conversations are had with your children, unfortunately you cannot assure that the same is occurring in the household of peers. Book an appointment with your child's school to ensure that they are implementing cyber safty measures and education!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Office offers a range of school based educational resources and programs to assist teachers guide students to become responsible digital citizens.

# data[].attributes.headline
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PREVENT OR STOP CYBER-BULLYING? 

# data[].attributes.subject
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PREVENT OR STOP CYBER-BULLYING? 

# data[].attributes.body
Bullying is bullying regardless of where it occurs. You should never tolerate harassment online, the same way you should never accept it in reality environments. There are serious penalties involved for those who continue to torment people from behind the safety of a keyboard!

Whilst there is much stigma involved in speaking out against bullies, and it can be a very daunting and intimidating process for the victim - it is in the best interest of all parties to report the incident. After all, bullies need to be held accountable to prevent them from targeting others.

In the first instance you should take screenshots of the incident and then block and report the perpetrator on the means of contact i.e. Facebook, instragram, Snapchat, Tumblr.

You can then report the incident to the Office of eSafety Commissioner here:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you are in immediate danger or at risk of harm call the police on Triple Zero (000), staying safe is your number one priority. Learn more and get support.

Follow these steps to make a complaint

1. Collect evidence and information

Find out about the evidence and information you need in order to make a complaint. It is also a good idea to collect evidence before you report to social media services. Read more about collecting evidence.

2. Report to the social media service where the bullying took place

The eSafety Guide has reporting links for social media services, apps, games and websites. If the abusive material is posted on one of the social media services we work with you should report it to them first and wait 48 hours for a response.

3. Make a cyberbullying complaint to eSafety

Once you have collected relevant evidence and information.

Are you an adult experiencing cyber abuse?

If you are aged 18 and over and are being bullied or harassed online, find out how you can take action and get help and support. Find out more.

More information on cyberbullying

Get help and support

Kids Helpline

5 to 25 year olds. All issues. Confidential phone counselling available all day, every day. Online chat available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Headspace

12 to 25 year olds. All issues. Phone counselling available all day, every day. Online chat available 9am to 1am EST daily.

Privacy and your personal information

Before submitting any information to us, please read our privacy policy and the collection notification for cyberbulling complaints. The collection notification sets out the types of information we may collect, why we collect this information and how it may be used in managing your complaint.

Young people

Adult cyber abuse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to make a cyberbullying complaint | eSafety Commissioner

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you are in immediate danger or at risk of harm call the police on Triple Zero (000), staying safe is your number one priority. Learn more and get support. Find out about the evidence and information you need in order to make a complaint.