How to Keep Your Kids Safe When They Are Online
Our kids live and breathe the Internet and Social Media! It helps them stay connected with friends and family, provides entertainment and information. There are a lot of great reasons to allow kids’ access to the Internet and the use social media platforms!
However, the following facts may make you think twice about how safe it is:
- Online crime is escalating and kids are targeted more and more each day
- Bullying online has become common place
- Exposure to explicit sex and violence happens every day
As parents it is our RESPONSIBILITY to create a safe online and social media environment.
In this article we have a look at some of the ways in which YOU can foster –
A safe digital environment
Talk To Your Kids
Keeping your kids safe from threats when they are online is very important but can be difficult to do. Talking to your kids, and explaining the dangers that lurk online, is very important. It’s not always an easy subject and may raise more uncomfortable questions you need to answer. But it is NECESSARY!
What dangers lurk online?
- Cyber bullies
- Predators
- Explicit content
- Malware infections
- Downloads of pirated material
Explain to your kids how and why you will help them stay safe online. If they are old enough, make them part of the decision making process. Teach them to recognize dangers and keep the lines of communication open, so that they feel comfortable talking to you.
Check Their Browser History
You are bound to get into an argument with your kids when you check their mobile or desktop devices. Remember, you are the parent. It is your responsibility to keep them, and your family safe! If you set clear rules BEFORE giving your kids their devices and access to the Internet and social media, they will understand why you are doing it. No matter their age, it is your right to check their online activity. Be concerned when you find a browser history that is short or have no content. This could mean that your child has cleared it. This should raise alarm bells! Kids are very tech savvy and most probably know how to clear a browser history. You need to find out WHY …
Online Security: Malware, Cyber Criminals
Kids often choose to use and download free stuff – music, apps, videos, games. Cyber criminals know this. Free stuff often have an added security risk as it offers very easy access to mobile and desktop devices. By clicking on these links viruses can download to the device and also infect other devices linked to your home network. Make sure your kids are aware how easily this can happen. Install ANTI-VIRUS programs on all devices and ensure your virtual private network (VPN) has a good FIREWALL as well. Also, don’t underestimate the usefulness of PASSWORDS!
Teach Them Healthy Online Habits
Teaching your kids HOW TO USE:
- social media
- surf the Internet
It will help them developing healthy habits from a young age. These habits will benefit them and your family in the long run.
Not sharing personal details with strangers, is a great starting point. Making them aware that there are adults pretending to be kids, preying on those who are ignorant to online dangers. Explaining cyber bullying. Blocking and reporting unwanted pop-up adverts.
Basic social media and online etiquette is also important when navigating the digital era! It goes a long way in establishing a positive, healthy online footprint. Your kids need to understand that EVERYTHING posted online, stays there FOREVER. The consequences of bad online habits can ruin chances of acceptance to a great school and one day even impact their careers!
Parental Control Apps and Software
There are many great parental control Apps and Software available to help you keep your kids safe when they are online. Ideally you should install it BEFORE you hand the device over its young owner!
Look for Apps and Software that can:
- Monitor and Report
- Filter
- Block
- Locate – GPS
Here are some of the top Apps and Software:
Don’t ever underestimate the danger that lurks online!
Investing in good parental control Apps or Software is worth the peace of mind.
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