Cyber activities to look out for to protect your children

A DURBAN-based social media specialist has spoken out about the dangers of cyberbullying, and how to keep children safe against the threat.

Humiliating posts and photographs, aggressive online messages and threats, character slurs and rumours are only but a few of the online dangers, CEO of digital marketing and social media specialist DigitLab Mike Saunders says.

"As a parent, you have to worry about cyber stalking, sexting and anonymous blackmail. Their social lives are increasingly defined by digital interactions and parents need to find appropriate methods of dealing with the threats," he said.

"Firstly, we need to educate ourselves on the dangers. For example, did your know that gangs surf the net looking to misrepresent themselves and to establish relationships with youngsters?

"Also, are you aware that a sexting code language exists? 143 = I love you, KPC = Keeping Parents Clueless, and GNOC = Get Naked on Cam."

He said cyber bullying could be anything from a mean Facebook comment to a threatening video clip, and because of children's youthful emotions the ramifications could be extremely harmful, from loss of self-worth and confidence to emotional withdrawal, fearfulness and even, in the worst cases, suicide.

Kids see the internet as a "safe" (punishment-free) forum for experimentation and for venting their jealousies.

The best way to help prevent your child from experiencing problems on the internet is by taking an active and informed interest in their lives – online and in the real world.

• Saunders is the author of How to Parent in a Digital Age.