Most people have heard some frightening stories in the news of deleterious situations that happened because individuals were not careful online. As a result of these tales, you make online safety a priority for you and your children, but you’re always searching for ways to enhance your safety.
Forbid Social Media Sites
Many youngsters run into trouble when they begin to use social media sites. They may share photos of themselves that unscrupulous people get their hands on, or they might begin conversations with strangers who are out to hurt them. While you probably don’t want to permanently forbid social media sites, you should not allow your children to do so at least until they are old enough in accordance with the terms and conditions of the website. Then, you should monitor their pages.
Monitor Their Internet Usage
You can monitor your children’s social media sites by adding them as friends. However, they may use privacy settings to block you from seeing what they are doing. When your children set up social media sites, allow them to do so but only if they provide you with the password. Also, you should go through the privacy settings with your children. You should check their browser history as well to find out what types of websites they have been visiting and to see if they are participating in any online forums or chats with strangers.
Set Controls on the Internet
Depending upon the age of your children, you may wish to entirely prevent them from visiting certain sites. You can prevent them from visiting sites with explicit content, but you can also block them from websites that feature forums or chat rooms. If your children begin to talk with strangers online, that is often where issues begin. People prey on youngsters who visit these websites, so your kids need to know what to avoid. Until they are old enough to make the right decisions for themselves, you will need to do so for them.
Monitor the Computer for Bugs and Viruses
Need Computer Help recommends dealing with problems surrounding computer bugs and viruses before they grow worse. Also, having protective software that fights against these problems is a smart idea. You need to show your children what types of websites and downloads to avoid. In fact, advising them to never download anything on the internet without first checking with you is the best idea. Explain that downloading the wrong thing could destroy the computer. The fear of not having a computer at all may be enough to prevent them from downloading any material. Also, you should teach them about scams that come through email.
Teach Children about Email
In addition to explaining that scams with viruses can come through email, you should also let children know that they should not provide personal information through email. If they receive an email that asks them for personal information, they should tell you about it right away. Let them know that they should not be making purchases through email in the future if and when they start to shop online. Also, you should inform that they are to maintain email contact only with individuals whom they know. Monitoring their email is another smart idea. You can look for bad email addresses and automatically have them sent to spam. Keeping your children away from as much dangerous content as possible is easier when you maintain control over the channels of communication they use on the internet.
Making sure that your children stay safe online is one of your responsibilities in a world that is heavily infused with technology and the challenges that come along with its presence.
Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter: @RachelleWilber