Greensprings School Partners LagosMums to Enhance Online Safety for Children

As part of an ongoing commitment to support parents as they navigate the landscape of parenting and family life, Greensprings School recently collaborated with LagosMums to present an online safety masterclass to parents of the school community via its Family Hack Moments platform.

The virtual event, offered parents strategies for protecting their children in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape

During the session, Mrs. Williams, the founder and CEO of LagosMums, shared expert advice on key topics like phishing, cyberbullying, and the dangers of fake news. She stressed the importance of teaching children to recognise and avoid online risks like suspicious offers or unsolicited messages. 

“Cybercriminals often use ‘too good to be true’ offers to trick users into clicking on harmful links,” “It’s essential to help children understand the dangers of downloading unknown apps or engaging with websites that ask for personal information,” Williams said.

The webinar also explored the role of cyberpsychology, emphasizing how parents’ digital behaviours can shape their children’s online habits. 

Williams explained that, “as parents, we set the tone for our children’s use of technology, whether we’re aware of it or not, however being mindful of our own media use and setting healthy boundaries can have a positive influence on our children’s digital well-being.” 

One of the most impactful segments of the session focused on cyberbullying, which Williams described as often more harmful than traditional bullying due to its lasting emotional effects. 

“Sometimes children don’t recognise when they are being cyberbullied, or they don’t know how to respond. It’s crucial that as parents, we create a safe environment where they feel comfortable discussing online issues with us,” she said.

She also addressed the prevalence of fake news and its emotional impact on children, stating that “fake news is designed to provoke strong emotional reactions such as fear, anger, and confusion.” “It’s important for parents to teach their children how to evaluate information critically and not be swayed by sensational headlines,” she added. 

The webinar received positive feedback from attendees, most of whom lauded the practical tips and real-world examples shared by Williams.