Greensprings School, Lagos, in partnership with LagosMums, recently hosted an online safety masterclass for parents, aiming to equip them with strategies to protect their children in an increasingly vulnerable digital environment.
The session, held via the school’s Family Hack Moments platform, provided practical insights into navigating online risks and fostering safer digital habits at home.
Founder and CEO of LagosMums, Yetty Williams, led the session, offering expert advice on critical topics such as phishing scams, cyberbullying, and the spread of fake news.
She explained the importance of teaching children to identify and avoid online threats, including suspicious offers and unsolicited messages.
“Cybercriminals often use ‘too good to be true’ offers to lure users into clicking harmful links,” Williams explained. “It’s essential to help children understand the dangers of downloading unknown apps or engaging with websites that request personal information.”
A significant portion of the webinar focused on the concept of cyberpsychology and how parents’ digital behaviours influence their children’s online habits.
“As parents, we set the tone for our children’s use of technology, often without realising it.
“By being mindful of our own media consumption and setting healthy boundaries, we can positively impact our children’s digital well-being,” Williams said.
She urged parents to lead by example, highlighting the value of intentional screen time and balanced technology use within the family.
One of the session’s most impactful discussions revolved around cyberbullying, which Williams described as potentially more damaging than traditional bullying due to its pervasive and long-lasting effects.
“Sometimes children don’t recognise when they are being cyberbullied, or they don’t know how to respond.
“Parents must create a safe environment where children feel comfortable discussing online issues,” she said
Parents were encouraged to maintain open communication with their children, providing a supportive space for addressing any digital challenges they encountered.
Williams also highlighted the prevalence of fake news and its emotional impact on children.
She explained how misinformation often exploits emotions such as fear, anger, and confusion.
“Fake news is designed to provoke strong emotional reactions.
“Teaching children to evaluate information critically and not be swayed by sensational headlines is a vital skill in today’s digital age.”