Parents want their kids to have a happy, healthy childhood. Raising them is a life-long task that’s both tiring and extremely rewarding. You probably know how important it is to teach your child to brush their teeth, be careful while crossing the street, or don’t get into a stranger’s car. But do you know how to keep your kids safe online?
Sooner or later, they’re going to discover the internet – and they’ll be fascinated by it. Keeping them away from electronic devices will be impossible – and that’s OK because technology is here to stay and has countless benefits. However, you should be aware of the dangers lurking on the web, preying on your kids’ naivety. As such, you should know what to do to protect them from harm.
Below, you’ll find 6 tips on how to maintain your kids’ safety online.
Make Space for Open Conversation
Let’s face it: you can’t keep your kids from using the internet for too long. Approach it correctly, and you’ll have one less problem to worry about. As soon as they start their virtual adventures, initiate a conversation on what they view, read, watch, and who they interact with. As they get older, keep talking!
Make sure you explain why internet safety is so important. In case your kids have questions – and, most certainly, they will – be ready to answer them truthfully. Set clear boundaries, but make sure you don’t discourage them from talking to you. Reach an agreement with your kids and prepare them for the time they’ll gain access to the internet outside the safety of your home.
Set the Limits
According to experts from Bulletproof.co.uk, it’s important to keep track of your kid’s online time and set the limits from early on. This way, you have a shot at preventing them from developing unhealthy habits and internet addiction. However, instead of enforcing new rules and making your children think they can’t be on their phones or computers because you’re a mean parent, explain why you’re doing it.
In a way appropriate to their age, talk about how certain images can be harmful to them and why it’s wrong to be online all the time. Encourage them to spend their free time actively, and do more things that don’t require screen use. Instead of watching a cartoon online, go for a family walk, or play a board game together. Show your children that life offline has tremendous value. This way, they won’t feel the urge to replace it with virtual reality.
Use Parental Controls
Younger children are not as tech-savvy yet. They’re likely to stumble upon inappropriate content without even looking for it, but they also won’t realize you keep their online activity under control. As such, don’t be afraid to use parental controls to keep them away from things they’re not supposed to look at.
You can reach out for the help of an outside company to help you set the limits. However, you can also use a wide range of free filtering tools your browser has to offer. Then again, you can check your kid’s browser history. If you notice they delete it, they’re probably hiding something. That should prompt you to talk to them about any issues they might have.
Emphasize the Importance of Privacy Protection
To keep your kids safe online, make sure they understand what kinds of behavior can lead to dangerous situations. Most importantly, instill a “share aware” policy if they use social media platforms and communicate with other internet users. After all, online safety doesn’t end on the content they view.
Your kids should understand that posting and sending certain information or pictures can be risky. They may be unable to fully grasp the importance of keeping their personal information undisclosed. However, you can teach them to treat people on the other side of the screen as people they meet in real life. Ask your kids if they felt comfortable sharing information like their name, age, home address, name of the school, or even a photo with a stranger. If their answer is negative, they should probably avoid contact with a person who wants such information from them.
Know Your Kids’ Online Friends
With over 4.57 billion active internet users, including 45 million children aged from 10 to 17, encountering someone with bad intentions is more than likely. If your children are old enough to engage in online conversations, you should be aware of what kind of contacts they make. Most likely, they’ll communicate with their friends and family. However, they can be easily contacted by a stranger.
Your children can experience catfishing, cyberbullying, and be contacted by people impersonating friends or family. In the worst case, they’ll fall victim to child predators. Being preyed upon online often translates to real-life consequences and leads to dangerous situations every parent wants to spare their children from. As such, make sure you know who your kids are talking to. It’s one of the best ways to ensure they’re safe on the internet and in real life.
Lead by Example
Children are more likely to replicate your behaviors rather than oblige to what you say without being an example yourself. Consider changing your digital habits and make sure the rules apply to all family members. If you want to establish a “no phones on the table” rule or something similar, avoid taking calls at breakfast, don’t use your phone during dinner, or when you go out to the cinema or a restaurant. Also, allow them to observe your online behavior. Don’t post their pictures without their permission and show them how to be cautious and respectable online.
Your children won’t call you out if you follow the rules you want them to obey. Show them how to use the internet in a safe, responsible way, and they’re likely to follow in your footsteps.
Final Thoughts
Keeping kids safe in the virtual world is no easy feat. However, with all the dangers lurking online, it’s essential to ensure their activities and contacts are secure. Help your children develop healthy digital habits and be on the lookout whenever you notice anything suspicious.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your kids openly and encourage them to ask questions. The internet has many educational, social, entertainment, and other benefits; teach them to use it wisely and responsibly. With your help, they’ll know how to avoid the dangers and make the most of their activities online.