Though it is a wonderful tool for learning, communication and entertainment, it’s no secret that the internet also houses many dangers for children. Some parents deal with this by banning the web completely from their children’s lives. While this might mean the kids avoid those aforementioned dangers, it also means they are denied all the benefits.
So how do we allow our kids to explore the internet, while ensuring they stay on the safest path possible? Here are four easy steps you can take.
• Set the ground rules
Make the rules clear. Don’t be afraid to strictly limit the time they spend online, what time of day they can log on, what sort of sites they can sign up to and whether or not they can share images.
• Parental controls are available to all – use them!
The great news about preventing your kids from seeing unsuitable online content is that most service providers will do it for you. Any laptop, phone, tablet or console you buy will offer settings that restrict certain sites and allow you to monitor how your children are using the web.
So how do we allow our kids to explore the internet, while ensuring they stay on the safest path possible? Here are four easy steps you can take.
• Set the ground rules
Make the rules clear. Don’t be afraid to strictly limit the time they spend online, what time of day they can log on, what sort of sites they can sign up to and whether or not they can share images.
• Parental controls are available to all – use them!
The great news about preventing your kids from seeing unsuitable online content is that most service providers will do it for you. Any laptop, phone, tablet or console you buy will offer settings that restrict certain sites and allow you to monitor how your children are using the web.
• Make sure they understand online people are real people
One of the things that makes cyber-bullying so easy for kids is that it allows them to insult people without seeing the negative effect it has. Tell your children early: never say something to somebody online that you would not say to their face.
• Monitor social media use – first or second hand
It is quite normal for your child to not want their parents following them on Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites. If you do not have access to their profile, insist that a trusted adult (an adult-age sibling, an aunt, an uncle or a family friend) is following them and checking their activity.
Maximising internet security for kids does not require a raft of technological know-how. Use the tools available to you, use common sense and use good parent-child communication and you can ensure they always stay safe online.
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