As a parent, it is natural to want to protect your kids from all possible dangers. With the rising use of technology and the Internet, there are many new dangers to keep in mind. Screen time has always been a concern with parents, but kids are being exposed to the Internet at a younger age. This is resulting in kids experiencing online dangers, while they may not know how to protect themselves.
Keep Communication Open
Since there is no avoiding the Internet, you will need to be able to discuss the risks with them. As such, you should make sure that they are aware of the potential content they may come in contact with. However, it is best to keep the conversation age-appropriate, so they understand the general idea.
You will also need to make sure that your kids feel comfortable talking to you about anything. If they come across a site that they are not sure about, you should encourage them to ask for advice. Moreover, you can try bringing up the subject during a meal together and ask your kids what they did on the Internet that day and which sites they visited.
Use the Internet with Them
Children are always hungry for knowledge, and you are their best teacher. Accordingly, you can spend some time accessing the Internet with your child as a bonding experience. You will be able to help them with their homework and show them interesting content in a safe manner. In addition, you can also explain the difference between safe and unsafe websites.
Parent-Control Options
If you are feeling concerned that your child is susceptible to danger, you can control the websites they visit. For older children, you can install parental controls on their cell phones as well. These controls can function to reduce screen time, restrict the accessible content, and allow you to monitor their online activity.
It is up to you whether or not you will let your child know that you are installing these tools. You can also introduce this as a requirement for them having a phone or computer, but you will need to explain that you are only doing it for their protection. After a while, you may feel comfortable enough to remove the software and allow them to go unmonitored.
Place Computers Strategically
A child should not have a private computer in their room at a young age. Placing a computer in a shared space, such as in the kitchen or living room, will make the child feel like they are held accountable for the content they are viewing. They are less likely to visit questionable websites or speak with strangers online if they know their parents are close by. However, you should make sure that the computer is not facing the wall and that you can see what is on the screen when you walk by,
Give Them Guidelines
As children grow up, many of them struggle to remember rules of thumb that will eventually become common knowledge to them. This is normal, and they may simply need a little guidance along the path. Help them out by providing them a list of tips to follow while online. These could include the following tips:
- “If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, do not write it online.”
- “When something is on the Internet, it is there forever.”
- “Never give out your personal information, such as your name, address, or age.”
- “Never meet someone that you met online by yourself. They may not be the person they claim to be.”
- “Adjust your privacy settings to make them secure.”
- “Choose strong passwords and never share them with anyone.”
By following these guidelines, your child will have a better chance of having a safe online experience.
