Have you been concerned about the prospect of your child delving into the unknown world of the internet alone?
The use of social media, digital footprints and you tube videos is something that we cannot avoid; so it’s time to pick up your child and that cup of tea and together read this book!
Dot.Common sense is a great way to engage your child in conversations about being safe online.
Walking through different aspects of the online world are two children – Olivia and Sam. Along the way they come across cyber bullies, trolls and viruses but they also learn about the positives of the internet – information gathering, linking with friends after school and educational games.
As they travel through different aspects of the internet, they learn about the importance of boundary setting before anything online has begun. Page 13 gives parents and carers a great list to go through with your child that they will need to adhere to if they are to use the internet and all within it!
Talking to your child about the concept of forever is important as well as the idea that not everyone online is your friend – even if they make it out that they are.
Online etiquette is also a focus of this book and children will learn the importance of treating everyone with respect even if they don’t know the person. So many young people fall into the trap of cyber- bullying as it is very easy to say things behind an avatar – but as we are too well aware, these simple words can form tidal waves in young people’s lives.
Dot.Common sense is a book to read slowly with your child. Stop after each chapter and have a discussion, talk about scenarios and set boundaries together.
The quiz at the end of the book is a fun way to go over what has been learnt and something to revisit when the time arises.
Dot.Common Sense is a book that every child should read before they head into the online world so that they are safe and they ensure that others are safe too.
So what can you do at home?
– Create your own rules for online use at home.
– Look at how you all use the internet and see if there is a way you can use it better so that you all remain safe online.
– Discuss ways the internet is beneficial and how those sites could be used more regularly over sites that can cause harm.
– Revisit this book from time to time and work through the different topic areas so that everyone has a clear understanding of how to act online.
