The internet can be a wonderful place but for kids, there are a lot of pitfalls that can quickly turn this wide world into a danger.
Fraudsters, pedophiles, bullying are just some of the dangers that really threaten your child. Unprincipled adults deliberately take advantage of the child’s inexperience to achieve their goals.
As parents, you want to do everything in your power to protect you kids! You buy the right car seats, make sure they have a helmet for their bike, and get regular check-ups. But when they’re old enough to get on the internet, it gets much harder to keep them out of trouble.
There are a few things you can do to keep your kids safe when they’re surfing online!
Understanding E-Safety for Parents
Figuring out how to explain the internet to a child can be a very complicated procedure. Kids grow up with technology and easy access to the internet and content marketing agency, all around them so that by the time they’re old enough to interact on the platform on their own, they’ve had years of experience on the web.
The internet’s influence on kids is enormous but they are often too trusting. Before they mature, kids don’t understand that people might want to harm them. It’s your job as a parent to set up boundaries that keep your kids out of harms way.
When your kids are surfing online, there are a few things you can do to make sure they stay safe, whole, and happy.
Beware of Online Dangers
The first thing to do before trying to protect your kids is to take time to understand the dangers that may be waiting for them in online spaces. This can range from predators who would take physical advantage of them to scammers who want a handy credit card number. You can find plenty of information on quality sites that help you determine what they might encounter while online. Once you know what they’ll see, hear, or come across you can create a targeted plan to protect them.
Create Healthy Online Boundaries
Start a new approach to internet safety by having an open and honest conversation with about what proper online boundaries look like for their age and interests. Depending on their age, talk through with them what might put them in danger online. Make the rules and standards clear and concise so that it’s easy for everyone involved to understand.
Keep Personal Information To Yourself
When gaming or spending time online, strangers are suddenly your best friends and it’s feels okay to share private, personal information with them. Focus on keeping your information to yourself including little details that could lead to hackers guessing your passwords more easily. Help your kids understand what kind of information they should keep to themselves and that not everyone online is really their friend!
Social Networking Safety
Social media and networking online can be a lot of fun, uplifting, and a great way to connect with friends and family. But they can also be a place where predators gather and wait. Teach your kids how to use the sites safely and set up boundaries and settings that keep them safe. Privacy settings can be a great thing and are a simple way to start talking about internet safety with your whole family.
Clear and Open Communication
Openness and honesty are important when it comes to internet safety with your kids. Rather than being ashamed that an issue occurred or they feel uncomfortable in an online space, reinforcing with your children that you are their safe place is the best way to keep the out of danger. You’ll be able to coordinate safety efforts and protect them if you know exactly what they’re struggling with online.
Patiently create an atmosphere of trust in your family. The violent reaction of the father or mother to something said by the child can put up a wall for further frank communication. Therefore, listening patiently and calmly to your children will help you to be aware of who your children communicate with on the Internet or what sites they visit.
Communicate about Internet Use
A proactive parent can more easily stay ahead of issues when they inevitably occur. Start communicating about internet usage and safe internet practices early with your kids. But don’t stop with the safety talks! Get involved with the games and social media sites that occupy their time. Taking an active interest in all areas of their internet use leads to trust and openness between parent and child! Don’t hesitate to invest your time and energy in such things.
Common Area Computer
Poor decisions are often made in solitude. Keeping devices in common areas where you can easily monitor activity, helps keep the spotlight on all the information that your child is engaged with online. This also allows you to ensure there are specific safety features downloaded on the device that will keep not just your kids but your computer hardware safe!
Healthy Software Protection
Your kids aren’t the only ones at risk when it comes to online behaviors. The actual computer could be at risk for hackers or ransomware attacks if exposed online. Antivirus software protects your computer hardware in case of an accidental attack so your confidential information isn’t at risk.
Also make sure your antivirus or firewall is updated automatically. The fact is that updates eliminate vulnerabilities that are discovered. Thus, your computer becomes more protected from hackers. If you experience any difficulties with this, experts from laptop repair service centers are always ready to help.
Search Engines on a Kid’s Level
Part of good internet practices is the ability for your child to learn the software and use it appropriately. You give them a leg up on the matter when you download and invest in a kid-friendly search engine! There are plenty of options available including:
- Kido’z
- KidRex
- KidsSearch
- Kiddle
A Parent’s Best Friend: Parental Controls
Parental controls are your best friend when trying to protect your kids from danger on the internet. These can be easily set up on a separate profile on your computer or through the search engine you decide to use for your kids. You’ll be able to block certain sites or usage so your kids stay in avenues you design for them.
Takeaway
The internet can be a great tool for school, work, and entertainment but there are innumerable ways your kids can get into trouble when online. As a parent, you want to do everything in your power to keep them safe. You buy bike helmets, training wheels, and safety scissors but it can be easy to overlook the internet.
Take power back into your hands and start by taking the time to explain the internet to a child before starting with some serious safety steps. Keep up to date with antivirus software, parental controls, and conversations that reiterate to your kids that they can come to you if anything happens online.
The important thing is to continue being proactive and open with your kids that you’re working to keep them safe and they can help you out!
Description: The internet’s influence on your kids can be felt almost all the time. E-safety knowledge is important to ensure your kids are kept out of danger. Taking the time to explain the internet to a child is always worth it.
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