The internet can be a scary place, especially for the parent of a child who is becoming more active online. For you worried parents, here are ways to increase safety and help ensure your child has a healthy online experience.
1. Set Up Parental Controls
Several types of parental controls are available to help protect your child during their internet use. For example, you can limit access to specific websites or block certain websites you don't want them to access. How you set this up will depend on the internet browser, but a how-to guide should not be difficult to find if you can't figure it out from looking at the browser's settings.
Many common web services, such as Google and social media sites, also provide their own settings that can be of further use. For example, Google offers a "safe search" feature for its image searches. This prevents explicit images from showing up. Facebook offers many privacy settings that let you control exactly who can see your child's posts. The company also offers a child-friendly version of its Messenger app that gives you control over who they can interact with. For some specific websites or services, you can search for settings that can be applied.
2. Use Educational Videos
You don't have to develop lessons yourself to help educate your children about the dangers of the internet. Plenty of resources and materials are available to help you explain the problem and present possible solutions. Useful videos on YouTube, for example, can help. Search for videos on the topic you wish to explain. View them beforehand to make sure you agree and have your children view them.
3. Limit Screen Time
The effects of "too much" screen time are often a topic of debate, but putting a limit on it can increase safety. If less time is spent online, there is less time for exposure to problematic materials or people. It is up to the parent to determine the appropriate level for their child, but if safety is a significant concern, cutting down time spent online is one way to reduce risk.
4. Limit Social Media
"Screen time" is a rather general term, and this logic could be applied to a more specific type of screen time, such as "non educational" or social media, for example. Cyber bullying largely happens on social media. Any platform that allows a social interaction between your child and someone they know -- or especially, someone they don't know -- is a platform that can potentially become a problem.
While there are certainly benefits and good, clean entertainment to be found on social media, the risk is there, so again, placing limits can help reduce the risk.
5. Teach Them About Misinformation
One of the best ways to protect your child is to educate them about the dangers of the internet. One such danger that is running as rampant as ever is that of misinformation. Teach your child warning signs of false information or misrepresentations of truth. Help them understand how to identify credible sources and to use the internet to double-check information. Explain the consequences of sharing misinformation and urge the practice of sharing only information that they are confident is credible.
6. Keep the Focus on Privacy
Use social media privacy settings, but also talk to your kids about what online privacy means. Make sure they aren't sharing sensitive information with their friends even if the situation seems reasonably safe, such as sharing a streaming network password with a friend so they can watch a TV show. Also explain how anything they put online might be seen by an unintended audience, even with privacy settings. An angry "friend," for example, can screenshot something and share it with non-friends.
7. Know Their Connections
Always know who your child is connected to on social media platforms. Regularly keep an eye on their friend and contact lists. See who is following them online and whom they are following online. Talk to them about being connected with people they don't know and suggest that they ask you if it is okay before they add a new connection.
8. Keep an Open Dialogue
It can be difficult to balance safety measures with allowing your child some sense of personal freedom, especially as they get older. It's important to keep an open dialogue with your child so they feel comfortable talking to you about their online lives. Let them know you are always there to listen and provide guidance if problems arise. If they don't feel like they can talk to you, they may take measures to hide things and exacerbate problems that could otherwise be minimal.
The dangers of the internet are real and should not be taken lightly. However, with some effort and care, keeping your child safer online doesn't have to be burdensome or difficult. Education and communication can go a long way.