The internet provides various opportunities for children to learn, play, and be entertained. However, it can also be a dangerous place for them. Just like parents do everything they can to keep their kids safe from the evil world, they need to protect them from bullies, inappropriate content, and predators online.
Let’s face it, the internet is here to stay. Therefore, as a parent, you need to have control over what your kids do online. Not every online activity is appropriate for kids of all ages. In this technology-driven world, you can take precautionary measures to keep your kids safe online.
If you are dreading your kids’ exposure to the internet, then this article is for you! We have compiled a few simple yet effective tips and tricks to ensure your child’s safety online. So, let’s get started!
Talk Openly About Your Kids’ Online Activity
As soon as your kids start accessing the internet, you need to have a word with them. Make them aware of the potential dangers of the internet. It’s crucial to ask them to be mindful of the content they access online. Apart from that, let them know that they are supposed to communicate with those who they have known for a while.
As a parent, you can casually ask them about the sites they usually visit. Make them jot down a list of apps they frequently use. This way, you will learn what they are doing online. Your child needs to be aware of appropriate online behavior.
Do not forget to teach them about the significance of their online reputation, too. About who they should communicate with online, and how they are expected to behave and represent themselves and their family in a public forum. They must always remember that the internet is not as safe as they may think.
Keep an Eye on Your Kids
Nowadays, social media usage is ubiquitous among kids. If you have set up social media accounts for your kids, it’s vital to check in on what they are doing and viewing online, particularly younger children. Let them know that you are going to monitor their time online and why. For internet-connected devices, you can use the ‘Forget Wi-Fi Password’ option to ensure that your child doesn’t access the Internet without you knowing. When your kid insists on giving you the Wi-Fi password to watch a show online, you could ask them to watch the show on Cox Contour TV instead. Subscribe to Cox bundles to have an ultimate entertainment experience.
You can even ask them to share their passwords with you. Sit with your child and reach an agreement that it’s not snooping. You are asking for it for the sake of their safety. Letting your kids use the internet unsupervised is not a good idea. If your kid does not share their passwords, you can check the browser history to learn what kind of online activities they usually indulge in.
If they somehow run into inappropriate online behavior or content, let them share how they feel about certain things. Instead of yelling at them, try to teach them how to deal with such situations.
Monitor the Games Your Kids Play Online
Video game statistics show that 21% of gamers in the US are under the age of 18. With an array of gaming apps featuring violent and sexual content, children would automatically be drawn to popular games without knowing how disturbing they could be for a child. This is why it is essential to be careful about the games your kids download to play.
Some games come with multiplayer and chat features which means that your child may face abuse or harassment from other online players. They may even give away their personal information to these players. It’s no exaggeration that games help children develop problem-solving skills. Parents should take the time to monitor their kids’ gameplay so that they can enjoy the benefits of games rather than suffer from their risks.
The End Note
Undoubtedly, keeping tabs on your children’s online activities requires time and effort. When you manage to build a trusting and positive relationship with your child, having open and honest discussions with them about their online safety won’t be as challenging as you may think. If you have your kid’s best interests at heart, then you should make their internet safety a priority.