Greensprings School, group train parents in online safety

As part of its commitment to support parents as they navigate the landscape of parenting and family life, Greensprings School recently partnered with LagosMums, a non-governmental organisation, to present an online safety master class to parents.

The event outlined strategies that parents can use to protect their wards in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape.

During the session, Founder of LagosMums, Mrs Yetty Williams, shared expert advice on key topics such as 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.

She noted that cybercriminals often use ‘too good to be true’ offers to trick users into clicking on harmful links.

“It is essential to help children understand the dangers of downloading unknown apps or engaging with websites that ask for personal information,” Williams stated.

The programme also explored the role of cyber-psychology, emphasising how parents’ digital behaviours can shape their ward’s online habits.

“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 could have a positive influence on our children’s digital well-being,” she noted.

One of the most impactful segments of the session focused on cyberbullying, which she described as 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 is crucial that as parents, we create a safe environment where they feel comfortable discussing online issues with us,” she said.

Parents were encouraged to maintain open communication with their wards, allowing them to feel supported when facing difficult online situations.

She also addressed the prevalence of fake news and its emotional impact on children, adding that “fake news is designed to provoke strong emotional reactions such as fear, anger, and confusion.”