Caribbean Times 93rd Issue - Wednesday 8th February 2017

8 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Wednesday 8th February 2017
Unite for safer internet, says Flow
As the world observes Safer Internet
Day today, leading telecommunications
provider Flow is urging all stakeholders
to join together to make the internet a
better place for all, especially young children
and teenagers.
“From cyberbullying to social networking,
each year Safer Internet Day
aims to raise awareness of emerging
online issues and chooses a topic reflecting
current concerns,” said Joe Mathieson,
Flow. This year’s theme is ‘Be the
Change: Unite for a better Internet’.
“Safer Internet Day is celebrated
by hundreds of countries around the
world and at Flow, we are concentrating
our efforts this year on promoting the
healthy use of the internet and connectivity
among our young people,” said Joe
Mathieson, Country Manager Flow Antigua
& Barbuda.
In some of its markets across the region
Flow, will today deliver an interactive
presentation about Safer Internet
Day to Teachers, students and various
Parent-Teacher Associations.
“The internet provides excellent
learning and communication opportunities
but it also opens the door to some unwanted
elements,” said Shand Merchant.
Merchant added, “As the region’s
leading telecommunications provider it
is our responsibility to share our knowledge
and provide relevant information
as it relates to the effective and safe use
of the internet. Our children are spending
more and more time online, and with
this trend, we are seeing a diversification
in the dangers they face. Parents must
make it a priority to familiarize themselves
with the devices and media that
their children are using.”
As part of Safer Internet Day activities,
Flow is providing Parents and Children
with safety tips on how to use the
internet more safely. Here are just a few:
Keep computers in a high-traffic area
of your home and establish limits for
which online sites children may visit and
for how long. Most children also have
mobile access so make sure to monitor
cell phones, gaming devices and laptops
as well.
Remember to surf the Internet with
your children and let them show you
what they like to do online. Encourage
regular dialogue with your children and
make it your business to know who is
connecting with your children online.
cont’d on pg 9