You can provide your children with a wealth of information through the internet. Not only that, it can even be akin to an entirely different world. The Internet offers countless opportunities for learning, hobbies, skills, video games, and even social interaction, but it also carries its own dangers.
Children are incredibly fast learners. In many cases, they could even be more tech-savvy than some adults. However, this does not keep them away from all risks. No matter how intelligent the kid may be, online dangers are still something they’ll need to watch out for.
As a parent or guardian, it can be beneficial to speak to your child about these dangers. Knowledge is the greatest weapon to ensure your child’s safety. They can become more responsible and capable while staying safe by learning what’s out there and how to avoid it.
Dangers Online
The internet can pose many different kinds of dangers. Content that is inappropriate, misinformation, malicious pop-up ads, and mean-spirited people, as well as scams, viruses, and criminals trying to harm or take advantage of them, are just a few examples.
That being said, it’s important to note that it is unlikely for your child to encounter all of them, but informing and preparing them is still an important step to take.
Some parents are inclined to set parental controls and block inappropriate content. Setting time limits for iPad use is another approach you can use on toddlers to limit exposure to online risks.
Risks And Repercussions
Shifting the focus back to the real world, there are also potential dangers that can arise physically. Misuse of a computer, a mobile device, or any other digital device can lead to complications.
Eye strain, wrist strain, and other similar conditions are the most common. You can prevent this by teaching your children how to use their devices correctly and responsibly.
It is also important to address the social side of internet use. Teach your child the importance of understanding social pressures and the mindset that they should have with things like social media apps.
Sites And Sources
The next thing to speak to your child about is where these dangers can come from. These threats can come from anywhere, but especially on platforms where your child can interact with strangers.
This includes online games and social media. It is important not to completely restrict your child’s access to these services, but to teach them how to use them safely.
Securing Their Online Safety
Lastly, let’s take a look at a rundown of what to teach and talk to your children about their general use of the internet.
What Are The Kids Doing Online?
It’s important to respect your child’s privacy, so don’t spy on them behind their back. Talk to them in a safe space and ensure them that they can trust you enough to tell you what sites, services, or entertainment they use, visit, or consume.
This will give you a better idea of what your child does and can help you understand how to help them and how to step in to make sure they’re safe.
What They Shouldn’t Be Doing Online
As with teaching them how to act in real life, you should teach them how to behave online as well. Teach them what websites are dangerous and why they should avoid them.
Explaining to children why these places are dangerous is extremely important. Children are curious and they’re also intelligent. Don’t assume that keeping them in the dark is the best way to keep them safe.
Ignorance and a lack of education are two of the biggest contributing factors to why these things continue to cause problems online. Make sure they understand how valuable their personal information is.
Let them know that their online privacy should be protected and that they should never share their personal details with any stranger online. The same should also apply to sensitive information like pictures, addresses, and especially things like bank details.
You should always tell them to come to you first before entering their information on a website or service. Take a look at what program or site is asking for it and double-check whether or not it is safe for you or your child to do so.
As stated time and again, the best defense your child has are their lines of communication with you. If they have any questions or concerns, make sure they can reach out to you so that they can make their own informed decisions. This is the best way to ensure their digital safety.
If you’d like more helpful tips on how to keep your kids safe, visit Be-Safe today!
Daisy is the engine behind Be-Safe.org — from content production to product reviews and more. What drives her is the passion to make home security information easily available.
