The digital divide between parents and their teens is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly when it comes to issues related to cybercrime. While Gen X and millennials had their childhoods transformed by technology, they are now parenting generations Z, Alpha, and Beta who are navigating entirely different online landscapes.
With the rise of online gaming, a growing number of young people are developing advanced digital skills that can be misused for malicious purposes. According to the National Crime Agency, one in five children engage in behaviours that violate the Computer Misuse Act, with 25% of gamers involved.
In response, Co-op has partnered with The Hacking Games to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to develop their tech skills. This initiative is crucial, as former National Crime Agency senior officer and director of 4D Cyber Security, Greg Francis, notes: "It takes a digital village to raise a digital native."
So, what can parents do to help their children stay safe online? Firstly, it's essential to take an interest in your child's online activities without being judgmental. According to Lynn Perry, chief executive of children's charity Barnardo's, "Conversations about online gaming safety should start early and be compassionate rather than condemnatory."
Parents can also benefit from staying curious about the games their children are playing and where they're hanging out online. This includes monitoring age ratings and making use of parental controls, such as friends-only features to keep in-game chat functions safer.
Another crucial step is being proactive and aware of potential red flags, such as social isolation, excessive time spent gaming online, lack of sleep, unexplained tech purchases, and multiple email addresses. If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to speak with your child and address the issue promptly.
Additionally, parents should consider speaking with their child's school about digital responsibility programs and reaching out to computer science teachers who may be able to offer guidance on how to channel their children's talents in a positive direction.
Ultimately, the key to keeping your child safe online is to remain curious, compassionate, and proactive. By taking these steps, you can help your child develop their tech skills while minimizing the risk of them falling prey to cybercrime.
With the rise of online gaming, a growing number of young people are developing advanced digital skills that can be misused for malicious purposes. According to the National Crime Agency, one in five children engage in behaviours that violate the Computer Misuse Act, with 25% of gamers involved.
In response, Co-op has partnered with The Hacking Games to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to develop their tech skills. This initiative is crucial, as former National Crime Agency senior officer and director of 4D Cyber Security, Greg Francis, notes: "It takes a digital village to raise a digital native."
So, what can parents do to help their children stay safe online? Firstly, it's essential to take an interest in your child's online activities without being judgmental. According to Lynn Perry, chief executive of children's charity Barnardo's, "Conversations about online gaming safety should start early and be compassionate rather than condemnatory."
Parents can also benefit from staying curious about the games their children are playing and where they're hanging out online. This includes monitoring age ratings and making use of parental controls, such as friends-only features to keep in-game chat functions safer.
Another crucial step is being proactive and aware of potential red flags, such as social isolation, excessive time spent gaming online, lack of sleep, unexplained tech purchases, and multiple email addresses. If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to speak with your child and address the issue promptly.
Additionally, parents should consider speaking with their child's school about digital responsibility programs and reaching out to computer science teachers who may be able to offer guidance on how to channel their children's talents in a positive direction.
Ultimately, the key to keeping your child safe online is to remain curious, compassionate, and proactive. By taking these steps, you can help your child develop their tech skills while minimizing the risk of them falling prey to cybercrime.
. I mean, we've all heard of Gen X and millennials bein' totally tech-savvy but now its like we're playin' catch-up as parents! We gotta take responsibility for keepin' up with the times, just like how our kids need us to stay on top of their online activities 
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. I mean, who wouldn't want their kid learnin' from people who actually understand the digital landscape? We gotta start thinkin' like our kids are the ones raisin' us in this digital age, not the other way around 
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. But we also need to be talkin' about this stuff in a more open and non-judgmental way. We can't just be all like "oh, you're spendin' too much time online" without actually understandin' what they're doin' 
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. It's not about being a hater or controlling them, it's about being aware of what's going on and having open conversations 
. Kids are growing up with some serious skills, but also risks 
. We gotta teach them how to use that power for good, not just for gaming 
. The old saying "it takes a village" rings true here 
... parents need to be part of the digital village too!
and I have no idea what's going on in that online world 
! As a kid who grew up playing games back in the day, I feel like I've missed out on this whole new generation thing 
. But seriously, parents gotta step up their game (pun intended 
) and learn about these games and platforms before it's too late 
is key... and also keeping an eye out for those red flags like social isolation or excessive gaming time 
... it's crazy how fast things can escalate online 
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... and then they come to parents all stressed out because they didn't do their homework 
. Just chill, communicate, and set some boundaries - that's the ticket!
It's a big responsibility for parents to keep up with what's going on online, but it's also super important because they're basically being groomed by the gaming industry from a young age. 
. She gets frustrated when we try to talk to her during gaming sessions... so yeah, parents gotta be proactive about keeping their kids safe online 
. I mean, we all know the gaming scene can be wild 
. We need to have these conversations in a compassionate way, you know? 
And maybe, just maybe, we can find some cool ways to channel our kiddos' gaming skills into something positive 
. its not like they're just gonna magically become experts or anything lol. gotta give the parents some credit though, trying to stay on top of things can't be easy 
parents need to step up their game and have open conversations with their kids about online safety, but not just lecture them like "don't do that" - actually listen to what they're doing and understand why they're doing it 
I totally get why parents are worried about this, it's like they're trying to navigate a whole new world with their kids 
. They just happen to be growing up in a digital age now 
. It's all about finding that balance and supporting them as they learn and grow 
my little one is already showing signs of gaming fatigue (she's only 10 lol!) so i need to keep a closer eye on it 
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. So yeah, just be curious and compassionate, you know?