How safe is your child online? One issue that is a concern for both parents and teachers is if technology is purposeful and positive. And how to keep the children safe online. As a parent or teacher, you must help your children navigate through their digital lives. Internet safety is not just for children, but educating parents will come in handy in helping their children. Also, learn from the community and other families how they go about using technology in their homes. In this article are online safety tips that are useful for parents. Also, you can add sharing about others, deciding if what you want to share should go out in public, among many others. Having conversations and experience is vital in private matters.
- Create a family media agreement
Every household should have its own internet rules and have everyone, including your child, adhere to them. Borrow ideas from various media online to get a starting point. Plus, children contributing to the agreement have more impact. You can have designated tech-free ones such as meals, cars, and bedrooms. Choose days to stream thepirateproxybay.com for each person’s favorite movie shows. Plus, you can add other media rules you see fit depending on the dynamics of your household.
- Avoid banning your child from using technology
Today, there is an increase in scary stories about online risks for young people. But, do not let these stories stop you from allowing your child to use technology for personal interests and education. Plus, we live in a digital world growing every day, and it is not about to change. Remember, technology can enrich our lives in many ways if you use it well. If you agree to solid strategies as a family, you can minimize the risks. Also, you can add sharing about others, deciding if what you want to share should go out in public, among many others. Having conversations and experience is vital in private matters.
- Educate yourself
Find reliable resources for parents and educate yourself and protect your children. As a parent, you need to be a role model. What are your digital habits? Are you distracted by your devices all the time? Remember, children notice all these, and they can easily copy. Although it is easy to say than follow-through, you need to be mindful of your habits. And choose a more balanced approach when it comes to using technology. Enquire from the school if they have any information that you can read to know more about online safety and tech use.
- Have an interest in your child’s online world
Talk with your child to know what they are doing online. Have a genuine interest in their interests and consider co-creating or co-viewing with them often. Make sure you are familiar with your child’s websites or apps. Find what they are getting out of them and how they work. Also, be familiar with other popular apps, sites, and social media. In this way, you open communication to help you get better at knowing online stuff together.
- Help your child learn about the privacy
Where your child is old enough to know any private information, it is best to educate them on the importance of protecting this information. One popular acronym most people use is YAPPY to remind children what to keep private online. Yappy means your full name, address, phone details, passwords, birthday, and plans. Also, you can add sharing about others, deciding if what you want to share should go out in public, among many others. Having conversations and experience is vital in private matters.
- Be aware of age restrictions
Most popular sites have age restrictions, and this is to help keep the children safe. Therefore, if your child is not ready or underage, do not allow them to sign up to these sites. When they get older, it is okay if they register. But show them how to set their accounts to private to limit access to people they only know well. Also, through communicating with your child and doing some research, you can tell if your child is ready for social media or not.
To sum up, the above are tips for parents as they consider online safety for their children. More importantly, it is vital to remember that you are in charge as the parent or guardian. Also, keep the lines of communication open to learning more of what they are doing online. Plus, encourage your child to balance screen time and offline interests to prevent them from getting addicted to the screens.
