Internet is very useful in the modern day. Just like adults love spending time on the internet for various reasons, children too, learn a lot and have fun on the internet. Almost 90% of the children below the age of 16 have access to smartphones, tablets or computers.
Internet has a lot of pros for our kids. But also, there are numerous harmful things on the internet that are not good for the children. However, you cannot withdraw the use of internet from the kids. You are supposed to enforce some safety measures that will keep your children protected online. Here are things to do keep your kids safe online:
1. Use Parental Control Software
There are softwares for different gadgets that you can use to control and prevent children from accessing inappropriate and offensive sites. Find the best parental control app for iPhone, computer or tablet. This will keep them from not only accessing the illicit and harmful content but also from cyber bullies and criminals. Almost all browser have this parental control where you can keep kids from accessing nudity, violence, sexual content or foul language.
2. Have a Conversation
Talk to your children about the good and the bad side of the internet. Advise them how to take precautions when using the internet.
Tell them to always keep their details and that of other family members private while online. Such information should include, their real names, where they stay, where they go to school or any other personal detail. Advise them not to open or respond to unknown e-mails or messages. Keep reminding them this all the time. Give them real life scenarios where the use of internet turned out fatal.
3. Check Browsing History
Make it a habit to follow up what your kids have been doing online. If the browser history is deleted or set on private mode, confront them about it and probably limit the use.
4. Monitor Them
Do not allow the children to have the computer or tablets alone on their rooms. If possible stay with them while they browse the internet. Ensure you know what they are doing online at all time if you have not set up parental control software. Let every kid use the computer on one central location where it is easy to monitor.
Set rules around using computer, phones or tablets. Consider the age, maturity and the character of the child when setting these rules. Know the kind of people the kids are interacting with on the internet. Set the time limit for using the internet. You can use screen time tracker to regulate their screen time. If it is hard to control older children, make use of the parental controls on their smartphones and computers. Remember to check their browsing history regularly.
5. Know the Passwords
Ensure that you at least know the passwords to your kid’s devices. It may be hard for the older kids, but find a way to cleverly learn the passwords. Alternatively, you can rule out the use of passwords on the devices and make it a rule in the house. This is to enable you access their devices anytime.
6. Deactivate Video Cams
Do not allow the children to use video cams unless you are around. Keep them disabled all the time and discourage them from using it.
The most important step to protecting and keeping your children safe from harmful content and cybercriminals is by educating them. This and all these other methods will go a big in keeping them safe online. Never leave children unattended when they are on the internet.
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