IN the old days my brothers and I used to create our own fun.
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We would get little plastic soldiers, set them up on a pile of dirt and throw rocks at them, all the while making bombing noises and machine gun sounds.
Nowadays my grandchildren are walking around glued to a computer tablet which, I might add, have bombing noises and machine gun sounds emitting from them at times.
I suppose there is such a thing as the circle of life.
The internet to a child is a wonderous thing.
There are a myriad of apps and websites that can give hours of fun, however there is a dark side.
As a parent you should be aware of your child's online activities.
If you are unaware of where to go to get any information in relation to online safety for your kids, here are some tips.
. Be aware of how much time your child spends on the internet.
. Spend time talking to your child about the dangers associated with online conversations, particularly when communicating with someone that they have only ever met online.
. Spend time exploring the internet with your children and let them teach you about their favourite websites and applications.
. Keep computers or internet-enabled devices in a room the whole family can access, not in your child's bedroom; monitor internet access on those devices.
. Consider installing filtering and/or computer blocking software provided by your internet service provider.
. Ensure you are able to access your child's email and social media accounts and randomly check the contents.
. Check your phone bill for unusual outgoing calls and consider using "caller ID"; to identify incoming calls.
. Consult your telephone company for options designed to ensure privacy and security.
. Enquire with your child's school, public library, and places they frequent to find out what internet safety measures they have in place.
. Information on internet safety is available on the NSW Police website at: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/safe_and_secure/online_safety
Tips for children:
. Do not send a picture of yourself to anyone you don't know and never place a full profile and picture anywhere on the internet.
. Never give out your personal information, including full name, home address, phone number or school, over the internet.
. Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone that you have only ever chatted with on the internet.
. Tell your parents or another adult you know of any contact that makes you feel uncomfortable.
. Think carefully before uploading or sending images or videos to people over the internet. Once you press 'send' it's definite and final - you can't get it back or take it down.
. Information on youth issues, including online safety is available on the NSW Police website at www.police.nsw.gov.au
For further information, get on the google www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/safe_and_secure/young_people
More information and educational packages for parents and children are available from ThinkUKnow, a multi-agency program designed to educate and promote cyber safety: https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/
Remember that you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police on 4421 9699 or ringing Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. If it looks suss, report it. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of emergency, call (000). Non Emergencies contact Police Assistance Line on 131444 or your local police. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Domestic and Family Violence Info visit www.police.nsw.gov.au
Don't forget. Cops are tops.
Read more: Crime/Court