The internet is here to stay, and it’s important for children to accept this technology as soon as possible. As a parent, your task is to introduce them to the virtual world and ensure they use it responsibly.
Unfortunately, encountering inappropriate content on the internet is common. Here are some tips to help avoid problems and encourage responsible online behavior in children!
Adjust Screen Time to Their Age
Although it can be fun to surf the web, you should limit screen time based on your child’s age. Here are the general guidelines to follow:
- There should be no screen access by the age of two.
- Allow only an hour of “fun” browsing daily until age five. It could be longer during the weekends if they use the internet for education.
- From the age of six, you can increase daily screen time gradually.
Be Their Companion, and Not Controller
Your child shouldn’t see you as someone trying to control their life. But you should be by their side if they are only starting to browse the web. You can show interest in their desired activities and look for suitable websites together. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the sites they visit or games that they play.
Consider If You Need Parental Control Apps
It’s impossible to always be close to a child when they surf the web. If you are still unsure about their behavior online, consider specialized monitoring tools. Using the best parental control app for parents makes it easy to filter or allow specific domains or addresses. Other features include screen time limitation, message monitoring and alerts, and other convenient security additions.
Create a Social Media Profile Together
Did you know there are social networks designed for kids based on age? It’s best to begin with these platforms as they can be a nice way for your child to work on their online social skills.
Facebook, Instagram, and other major social networks have a minimum age requirement of 13. As a parent, you’ll decide when they are ready. Apart from age, consider the child’s maturity and development.
The experts advise creating your child’s social media profile together. For starters, that will ensure the entire process goes smoothly. You can also confirm that privacy settings are optimized before the kid starts using the network.
Placing the Rules for Using Social Media
Parents should be proactive and browse the social network before their children. That way, you’ll understand how it works, which will help set ground rules. These should include:
- Always keep your profile private. Only friends should see updates posted on social networks.
- Never share risky personal information. Revealing the current location could make the child vulnerable to hackers. Posting about dates of your upcoming vacation means robbers will know when you aren’t home. Social networks aren’t a place for sensitive info, and kids should understand the dangers that come with it.
- Never accept strangers as friends. If they don’t know the person or the profile is suspicious, ask your child to consult with you before accepting that friend.
- Talk about existing online friends. Parents should know basic info about each child’s friend on social media. If you notice a new addition or someone you don’t know, don’t hesitate to ask.
- If anything unusual is happening, share that info immediately. A child might receive a message with a suspicious link. Perhaps someone insulted them or sent an inappropriate message. If this happens, they should share that with you immediately. Try to be supportive and explain the situation and the proper moves to take.
- Keep passwords and account access safe. Kids shouldn’t reveal their account passwords to anyone. In addition, they should log out of all sessions and erase browsing history after finishing using a shared computer.
Final Thoughts – A Journey You Take Together
There are no strict rules to follow when it comes to protecting your child from inappropriate content online. These tips will help, but this is a journey you take together. Kids will appreciate you taking an interest, which will develop a mutual bond.
It’ll also encourage the child to talk to you if they feel like they encountered something inappropriate. Don’t hesitate to have daily discussions about their online activities. It’s the best way to learn about responsible behavior and maximize internet safety!