Kids can use the internet to communicate with other kids and teachers, research school reports, and participate in interactive games. However, online access can subject children to various risks, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. Parents are advised to watch what their children hear and see on the internet, what they share, and who they meet online. Below is a list of things to teach your kids about online safety.
Teach Them How to Use Social Media Safely
Every piece of personal data and pictures shared online adds to an individual's digital footprint. Kids raised with social media and smartphones may share whatever is in their minds, making them more prone if their data falls into the wrong hands. You should beware that everything your kids publish will remain there forever. Own your security and always be proactive regarding what your children post. Maintain a minimal and private digital footprint for your kids and teach them to share information with people they trust and know.
Monitor and Track Their Online Activity
Keep a watchful eye on your kid's cyberspace use and limit late-night gaming or texting to enhance their sleep and academic success. Position your computer in an open area inside the house where you can easily monitor your on-screen activities and limit computer use after bedtime. Check the browsing history to track the websites your children visit online, as at least 1.8 billion websites operate simultaneously each day. If your kids delete their browser history, it could indicate they may have visited websites they should not have. Include this in your discussion when laying down the rules with your children.
Have Open Lines of Communication
Communicate regularly with your kids regarding internet use and online activities with which they are involved. Be straightforward, direct, and assertive, but avoid being confrontational and aggressive and make your concerns known to your kids. Talk to them regarding the dangers of children interacting with online strangers and remind your kids that people they find online do not necessarily tell the truth. Encourage your kids to tell you if any person they have interacted with has tried to obtain personal information from them or made them feel uncomfortable.
Educate Your Kids About Privacy Updates
Kids may have a better understanding of social media and technology, which makes parents and other older family members leave the children to deal with online activities themselves. Most kids are, however, interested in the social part with minimal attention to the technical detail. Your child, for instance, will less likely pay close attention to privacy settings and user agreements before pressing the accept button. Educate your kids regarding the risks of accepting such agreements without going through them. You can go the extra mile by enrolling your kids in classes to teach them online safety benefits. Teach them how E-commerce is facilitated by the internet, as reports indicate it constitutes 14% of global retail sales.
Build Healthy and Safe Online Friendship Networks
Most people found online may not exist in real life, so your kids need to beware. Educate your kids about cyber criminals from when they are young to ensure they only interact with those people they already know. Teach your kids how to use apps for verifying the identity of online strangers who want to be friends before accepting them. Remind them not to meet strangers online or provide any personal information online without first contacting you. If possible, you can always verify whether their friends' list includes genuine individuals only.
Spend Time Together Online
The internet is an excellent place as there is a wide array of exciting things to do and see. You can request them to teach you about a favorite game or cheer them up while they play. You can show your kids those interesting, fun, or educational sites and how they can bookmark them later. Being involved with your kids' online activities helps you keep up to date with your kids' online experience.
Be a Good Role Model
Your kids mimic the behavior of family members. Ensure you model healthy and safe internet use by using digital media properly. For instance, keep internet connecting devices out of your bedroom. You could also teach your kids about a more sustainable way to receive power, that being through solar panels. The solar industry in the U.S. has grown tremendously over the last decade, and the cost of an installation has declined by nearly 70%. Solar panels still provide internet access but help you better understand how all of your home's energy systems are linked, which may help your kids spend less time online and more time outside now that they see how taxing screen time can be.
Most kids nowadays have more access to the internet and technology than ever before. Talk to your kids about the proper use of the internet and who to contact if they come across something that makes them feel scared, worried, or sad.
