How to keep children safe in digital space: Here are TCSB’s dos and don’t’s

Hyderabad: In the current digital era, ensuring children's safety online is a top concern for parents. Digital safety is one of the key factors that involves safeguarding personal information, avoiding harmful content, and maintaining privacy and security while using the internet and digital devices.

Here are the guidelines by Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TCSB) on how to keep children safe in the digital space.

Setting Digital Boundaries:

1. Fostering open communication and working together with your child is crucial for ensuring their online safety. This approach helps create a secure and supportive environment, empowering them to navigate the digital world with confidence and responsibility.

2. Have open conversations about safe internet use and family rules.

3. Set a time each evening when all devices are put away.

4. Make certain rooms or times, like family meals, free of digital devices.

Discussing about digital safety:

1. Talk openly and regularly discuss online experiences as part of daily conversations.

2. Ask questions that encourage sharing and discussion.

3. Listen without judgment respond calmly and keep the conversation open.

4. Show them how to report inappropriate or harmful content.

5. Teach them to create and protect strong passwords.

How to identify cyberbullying:

Parents play a crucial role in addressing cyberbullying and online harassment. Here are the steps they can take to report these issues effectively:

1. Notice changes in behavior like mood swings, withdrawal, or secrecy.

2. Keep records and save screenshots or messages as evidence of bullying.

3. Reassure them they can come to you for support.

4. Guide them on reporting the bullying and blocking the user.

5. If needed, reach out to teachers or mental health professionals.

6. Encourage your child to take screenshots of any harassing messages, images, or comments. This documentation is vital for reporting the incident.

7. Most social media and online games offer reporting features. Parents should help children use these tools to report abusive behavior or content.

8. If the harassment escalates or poses a threat to your child’ssafety, report it to local law enforcement. Provide them with the documented evidence for investigation.

9. Parents can reach out to helplines such as 1930 or the CyberCrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) for guidance and support in dealing with cyberbullying cases.

10. You can also visit the nearest Cybercrime Police station or Bharosa Center to report the incident.

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