E-Safety Quiz Keeping safe online! A guide for parents & children

Keeping Safe online  How safe are your children when they are online at home?  Try this quiz and see how you do!

Did you and your child find out about the privacy settings on Facebook, Club Penguin, Bebo and other social networking sites before signing up? a) Yes — I made sure the privacy settings are set so that no one has access to my child's page except 'friends' b) No — I have heard of 'privacy settings' but I didn't look into it when my child was setting up their account c) What is a 'social networking' site? Click to see answer…….

 If you chose (a) – well done; its important to always make sure that wherever your child is, you know its safe for them to explore the site.  If you chose (b) or (c) your child may not be safe on the Internet.

Do you talk to your children about the dangers and risks of using the internet, and teach them how to be safe online? a) Yes — I make sure my children understand that the internet is a fun place to play but that they need to look out for dangers too b) My children are already pretty clued up about computers — in fact they probably know more than me. I don't think I need to speak to them about it c) What dangers and risks? Click to see answer…….

 Again, (a) is the right choice – as their parents/guardians, you have an important role to play in their online safety by making sure that they are aware of the dangers around them.

Do you have anti-virus software and a firewall installed in your computer at home, to stop other web users accessing your computer while you are online? a) The last time I came across a firewall was at the circus b) Yes — I know certain websites, such as online gaming and music downloads, can make my PC particularly vulnerable to attack so I've installed antivirus software and a good firewall to stop hackers from taking control of my PC c) No — I know I should but the chances of someone trying to get into my computer are pretty slim Click to see answer…….

 This time, the best answer is (b) – you need to protect your PC so that your children can be safe when online, but you don’t always need to pay for the software as you can get free versions from the internet – just make sure that it’s a site you know or trust or comes recommended

Where do you keep the computer in your house? a) My children have a computer in their bedroom — they like privacy when they go online b) In our main living area — I like to keep an eye on the websites my child is visiting c) Away from the main living area – the computer takes up lots of room and I like to keep it out of the way Click to see answer…….

 This time, the best answer is (b) – if you can see your child, you can see what they are doing – if they are out of sight, how can you be sure that they are safe?

Have you set any parental controls on your computer to limit what your kids can see and do while they are online? a) No — I don't think we need parental controls on the computer. My children are sensible and wouldn't access websites that they shouldn't b) Yes — I know that children can come across harmful websites and material accidentally c) What are parental controls? Click to see answer…….

 This time, the best answer is (b) – if you can see your child, you can see what they are doing – if they are out of sight, how can you be sure that they are safe?

Are you and your child aware of the threat of 'phishing' - when fraudsters may try and fool you into revealing personal information for criminal gain? a) Yes — I am always suspicious of s from people I don't know or pop-ups that ask for personal information b) Phishing? Is that a spelling mistake? c) I know phishing is a danger online but I'm not sure how to prevent it Click to see answer…….

 This time, the best answer is (a) – phishing is just a way of getting your details so that the other people can obtain money from you be deception – never give out any personal details by

Does your child understand that they should be very careful about what sort of personal details they share on the internet? a) What's wrong with giving out personal details? I want my child to make friends b) My child probably knows that they shouldn't give out personal information but I've never talked about it with them c) Yes — I've had a conversation with my child about the dangers of giving out personal information online, and they are very careful not to do so Click to see answer…….

 This time, it’s (c) – remember that things might not be what they seem on the Internet; it is very easy to claim to be a friend of the same age but in reality that child could be an adult

How did you do?  Remember that this test was to raise the issue of Online safety and hopefully remind you of some important points about the Internet – it can be safe for you and your children but they need your help and guidance to stay safe.