Learn more about the simple things you can do to protect yourself and your family when using the internet.
With online shopping, social networking and online dating all growing trends, it is important to be kept abreast of the latest top tips to help you have a great online experience.
And as parents it is sometimes difficult to know exactly what your kids are doing online and where to turn if they have a difficult experience. Here we provide you simple advice from the experts and other parents to help teach you and your children about safer internet habits.
Quick tips
Tips For Adults:
- Use your common sense. If an offer, scheme or sale seems to be too good to be true then it probably is.
- Keep your private information private – do not give out personal details online such as your birthday and address, even on social networking sites like Facebook.
- Be wary of emails, phone calls or SMS messages from unknown sources asking you to update, validate or confirm your account details, password or personal information.
- Remember what you post online stays online for a long time so think before you click.
- Change passwords at least twice a year.
- Passwords should be completely random and unique, but still memorable. Try using numbers and letters.
- Don't leave a computer whilst your account is still logged in because anyone could start using it.
- Install security software and update regularly to prevent potential viruses and fraud.
- Always type the address of a website you are wanting to look at in the address bar.
- Ensure your mobile phone is PIN locked
For more top tips for this age group see:
Cyber-safety tips for parents | Tips to help you shop safely online | Tips to help keep your mobile phone safe | Telstra's handy tips for online games | Common scams to be aware of | Cyber-safety tips for social networking | Cyber-safety tips for cyber-bullying
Advice and Stories
AFL Legend Adam Goodes
Adam Goodes from the Sydney Swans explains how he learnt the hard way about sharing information on the internet. He shares his top tips on how to stay safe online and what he does to protect his digital brand.
Watch Video View transcript (Word 36 KB)
Lecturer, RMIT University, Melbourne
This RMIT university lecturer uses the internet in a number of different ways from research to shopping to emails. Here she shares her online experiences and the types of things she looks for and does to keep herself safe.
Watch Video View transcript (Word 28 KB)
Darren Kane - Officer of Internet Trust & Safety, Telstra
Darren is Telstra's Officer of Internet Trust & Safety and the Director of Telstra's Corporate Security & Investigations (CSI) Group. He is also a father of four kids aged 8-15. Here Darren shares his top tips for managing cyber-safety at home, as a parent.
Watch Video View transcript (Word 31 KB)
ACCC Deputy Chair Peter Kell talks smartphone scam awareness and security tips
Smartphones are becoming a big part of many Australians' lives but unfortunately scammers also love new technology and will try to take advantage of any opportunities it offers. In this scam awareness video ACCC Deputy Chair Peter Kell discuss how to use your device safely and how to outsmart scammers.
ACCC Deputy Chair Peter Kell talks personalised scams awareness
Personalised scams occur when a scammer gathers your personal information and uses it to specifically target you with a scam. In this video ACCC Deputy Chair Peter Kell discuss some specific examples of personalised scams and how to avoid them.
Dan Kraan - Case Study
Although Dan Kraan does not consider himself over technically he still uses the internet for a couple of hours most days - this is after his day job as a security investigator for Telstra's Corporate Security & Investigation team and volunteer CFA member is over! Read Dan's experience about how he stays safe online.
Elizabeth Dimabuyu - Case Study
Elizabeth Dimabuyu, a mother of two sons, uses the internet on a daily basis whether for work as a business specialist with Telstra or in her own time. Given Elizabeth has four computers in the home, one for each family member, online safety is a priority. Find out more about Elizabeth's experience here.
Links and Resources
Threatsaurus - the a-z of computer and data security threats
The Threatsaurus is a fun and simple to understand A-Z of computer and data security threats. It was developed by Sophos, a world leader in IT security and data protection.
Whether you're an IT professional, use a computer at work, or just browse the internet, this book is for you. It will tell you the facts about the threats to your computers and to your data in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Website:ACCC - how to protect yourself
Almost everyone will be approached by a scammer at some stage. Some scams are very easy to spot while other scams may appear to be genuine offers or bargains. Scams can even take place without you doing anything at all. The SCAMwatch website provides information on the types of scams that are out there and what you can do to protect yourself against them. Website:
ACMA - online social networking
Learn more about the things you can do to protect yourself when using online social networking sites Website:
ACMA - online dating
To find out more about the things you can do to stay safe online meeting new people, making new friends, and maybe even finding that special connection. Website:
ACMA Cybersmart website
Cybersmart is a national cyber-safety education program managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The Cybersmart website provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world.Website:
AFP ThinkUKnow
ThinkUKnow is an Internet safety program delivering interactive presentations to parents, carers and teachers through primary and secondary schools across Australia using a network of trained volunteers.Created by the UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, ThinkUKnow Australia has been developed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Microsoft Australia, and is supported by ninemsn.
Website:
Alannah and Madeline Foundation
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and its eSmart initiative, is designed to assist schools create a generation of young people who are smart, safe and responsible users of digital technology. Find out helpful hints and useful information on their site. Website:
AMTA – Bullying and mobile phones – parent's tips
Bullying with mobile phones – is your child a victim? Read what you can do to help Website:
AMTA - Str8tlk - information and advice on mobile issues for parents and teachers
Many adults now feel lost without their mobile phone and wonder how they ever managed without it. But even the most technology-savvy adult must sometimes wonder at some young people's use of mobiles. This site is designed to assist parents and teachers understand, think about and address (if necessary) young people's use of mobile phones at home and school.
Website:
Cyber Safety Help Button
The Australian Government's cybersafety help button provides internet users, particularly children and young people, with easy online access to cybersafety information and assistance available in Australia. Website:
Bullying No Way! - resource for parents and children
Bullying. No way! is developed and managed by all Australian education authorities for use by Australia's Government, Catholic and Independent school communities. Website:
AMTA - mind your mobile manners
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) encourages individuals to use their mobile phones in a responsible manner and to be considerate and aware of situations where using their mobile phone might annoy others Website:
Ideas for Good – family
The Ideas for Good campaign spans six large areas or pillars of Australian life and showcases initiatives that Telstra supports across health, community, environment, Indigenous Australia, family and future.
Internationally regarded eLearning expert and cyber-safety advocate Dr Martyn Wild is the Family Champion.
Website:
Trading Post Trust & Safety Centre
Trading Post has a dedicated Trust and Safety Centre. Here you can learn about the latest scams, what are safe payment methods and tips for staying safe when buying and selling online.
Website:
Mum 2.0
Telstra has developed Mum 2.0 to give Mums a digital makeover and help bring them up to speed on using technology to stay safe and connected with family. The initial digital makeover comes by way of a series of six clever tutorial videos, a downloadable booklet & tips from other mums and kids.
Website:
Telstra cyber safety blog (by Darren Kane)
Darren is Telstra's Officer of Internet Trust & Safety and the Director of Telstra's Corporate Security & Investigations group. As Darren continues to blog, he will provide cyber safety advice for families and individuals of all ages, covering a range of topics.
Website:
What is BigPond® doing to help fight spam?
BigPond® is committed to reducing the amount of spam that reaches the mailboxes of BigPond Members and originates on our network. Find out what we are doing to help.Website:
Why is it important to stay secure online?
To ensure the safety of your family, safeguard information on your computer, protect your personal details and restrict unauthorised use of your computer.
Website:
Telstra KnowHow on YouTube
Information and easy to follow tutorials on how to get the most out of your Telstra device including Telstra Next G™ powered SmartPhones.
Website:
The Virtual Global Taskforce
The Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), an international alliance dedicated to combating online child sexual abuse, provides advice and information on how to stay safe online and an avenue for any person anyhwere in the world wishing to reporting suspected online child abuse.
Google Family Safety Centre
Google's Family Safety Centre has been designed to provide all of its users with a safe experience. On this site you’ll find helpful tools, tips and advice as well as information on how to report abuse in Google products.
Facebook resources
Facebook have a number of resources designed to help you enjoy positive social networking:
- Facebook Family Safety Centre – a page of tools and resources for parents, teachers and teens.
- Facebook Safety Page – a page to get updates and give feedback on safety issues.
- Facebook Security Page– a page to receive updates about how to protect your information both on and off Facebook.
ACMA's Cybersmart program
When a group of high-school friends post a rumour about a rival, it sparks a chain reaction that leaves no one untouched. Cyberbullying, sexting, filmed fights and police action follow - will these friends be Tagged forever? A short film developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority's Cybersmart program, Tagged is a drama for Australian teenagers that explores cyberbullying, sexting, digital reputation and personal responsibility.
