ATTENTION- PARENTS ON INTERNET! #AAH
You just can’t deprive children of internet in today’s world. Technology is wonderful. Children have to know how to use technology mindfully instead. It would be truly constructive if parents work along with kids in setting healthy boundaries.
3 tips on how you can ensure that children are safe while using technology:
FIRSTLY- BUILDING TRUST
Inclusion and not control should be the strategy. Do remember your childhood. Anything your parents banned you from using, you would definitely want to try!
Therefore, spend time together on the internet to identify your children’s interests instead. Learn about games they play, videos they watch, show them that you would like to genuinely know more.
We can’t brush things under the carpet. Children are so scared to speak to their own parents when things go wrong cos, we don’t talk to them like their confidantes.
In an overwhelming sexual assault cases against minors, the offender is known to the victim- Means neighbor/ relative/ shop keeper/ trainer. Child must know that even if they made a mistake online by talking to somebody unknown, trusting a stranger, they can come to you.
Please explain good touch bad touch online gently to them, find teachable moments
If they feel uncomfortable by any conversation even if it’s by an elder- they should be able trust to tell you
Secondly if possible please keep his/her machine in a place at home so that you can keep a watch on screen. When you are walking by, you can notice whom they are speaking with, what they are doing.
You don’t know if they are sweet talked by any predator
Remember that good children make bad choices at times.
THIRDLY– Build no tech time & device free zones for family
Children learn via curiosity & imitation. Set good example with your own behavior.
It’s very important that you spend little no technology time together. Build tech device free zones like dining table or living rooms, sit together as family, discuss things, read, talk to each other. If you are glued to technology then don’t expect kids to be any different
Exhibit mindful use with your own behavior.
Lastly, educate children on good consumption of content online – You tube, free books, writing skills, hobbies, music.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!
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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’
‘Akancha Against Harassment’ is India’s largest social impact initiative against cyber harassment. It was founded by Miss Akancha Srivastava in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.
Honorary Board of advisors
Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)
Goals of this initiative
The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.
Support of the Indian Police for the initiative
Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 70+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.
This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.
Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety
We run India’s only functional private national multilingual AI chat helpline for cyber safety. This helpline is currently available in Hindi & English on our website. It can be accessed from any internet enabled device. You can chat here anonymously, fearlessly.