Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe Online
Educate your Children
This is the most important aspect of promoting safe behavior online. Teach your children how to use the internet safely. Show them how to navigate browsers and explain what websites they are allowed to use. Make sure your children know the boundaries of what they are allowed to do on the computer or phone. Discuss common security measures like not sharing personal information and keeping passwords safe and confidential. If they are using social media, they should not be communicating with strangers.
Parental Controls
Parental controls include specific software and tools for parents to implement controls and restrictions on their children's internet use. This is a great way to help prevent children from accessing unsuitable content online. Parental controls should be installed on all computers and devices in the home.
Think Before You Post or Share
Explain the importance of not sharing personal information including name, birthdate, address, phone number, family members’ names, photos, and videos – online, in public forums, on social media, or in emails. Sharing personal information with others is one of the biggest online risks. Also explain to your children that images and videos posted online will be permanently on the internet.
Identify and Report Cyberbullying
It is essential to discuss the facts and consequences of cyberbullying with your children – this includes the ramifications of both sending and receiving these types of messages. Cyberbullying can occur on any type of digital device including cell phones, computers, and tablets. Bullying behavior and messaging can appear on texts, apps, emails, social media forums, or in shared gaming content. It often includes sending, posting, or sharing harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information that causes embarrassment or humiliation. Cyberbullying is considered the most common online risk for teens, and is linked to depression, loneliness, and even suicide in both the victims and the bullies.
Tell your children to report any type of cyberbullying that they experience or witness to you or a trusted adult immediately. Some cyberbullying can be severe enough to be unlawful or criminal. As a parent, it is important to take action before situations escalate, not only when they become dangerous or illegal.
Monitor Online Activity
Be aware of what your child is doing online. Monitor which websites they are visiting, if they are using email, instant messaging, or social media and who they are communicating with. Staying on top of their online activity can help you to spot any suspicious activity before it may become a serious issue.
Set Boundaries for Phone and Internet Use
Implement rules regarding your child’s internet use. Prolonged internet use and screen time can negatively impact children’s sleep, behavior, and mental and physical health. Boundaries may include limiting the amount of screen time each day, not allowing electronics at the dinner table or in the car, and turning off electronics before bed. These rules are often more effective if the entire family follows them. Research from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) indicates that children may be more receptive to household technology rules that are followed by parents.
Lead By Example
The less time spent on the internet significantly decreases any online dangers to your child. If parents are constantly on their phones or electronic devices, their children will most likely mimic this behavior. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports, “Kids are likely to pick up on parents’ problematic media use behaviors, including distraction from responsibilities and family time, emotional difficulties and irresponsible posting behaviors. This can directly influence a child’s developing relationship with digital media.” You can set a positive example by reducing your own screen time, and engaging in healthy, offline activities and hobbies – for both parents and children.
Encourage Offline Activities
Online activity should not consume most of your children’s time. Excessive internet use limits the physical activity that children need for a healthy lifestyle. Get your kids involved in physical activities like sports, dance, and outdoor play. Promote other hobbies and enrichment like music lessons, art classes, or visits to the library or museums. Decreased screen time benefits children mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Open Communication is Key
Have regular conversations and encourage your children to discuss their online experiences as much as possible. When you talk openly with your children, you create an environment where they can safely confide in you and come to you for guidance.