Be it the #
BoisLockerRoom incident or instances of bullying and cyber shaming, the internet isn't the safest place for a child. Several reports are also saying that the searches for 'child porn' have multiplied during the lockdown period. All this and more makes the internet a very compromising place for children.
Internet frauds and malicious happenings can happen to anyone, even us adults. But keeping your precious children safe on the world wide web is more important, considering that children as young as 2 can now use and operate phones. Tweens and teens are the most at risk.
Even though monitoring their usage and what they see on the internet is crucial, before you handover a smartphone or gadget to your mini-adult, there are some absolute safety rules you should make teens abide by:
1. Have a particular browsing time for them
Regulating screene for your kids is one of the best ways to monitor how much time they spend digitally and keep them safe. Several apps and platforms now come with a 'child filter' or timer to encourage safe browsing habits. If they have a smartphone or have social media profiles, teach them to only operate the account during a stipulated time of the day, i.e., when you are there.
2. Do a privacy checkup on their social media with them
You can't stop a teenager from building their profile on a social media website. However, what you can do is to sit down with them, do a firsthand checkup of the information they are letting go online and protect them from incidents of hacking or possible breaches. From who gets to access the posts, the people they are friends with or the personal info they share, this can be a good way for you to be in sync with their internet activity.
3. Forbid them from posting private, sensitive information online
Posting private, sensitive information online is never safe. Many popular social media websites, including trendy video sharing apps, are prone to hacking and it's often the younger crowd who get targeted. Ask your children to not post sensitive details like address, the place they live, the school they go to or other private information online which could put your familial life at risk. As a measure, you should be asking your children to check in with you first before they post sensitive or opinionated information online.
4. Never share passwords
When children are young, they may feel tempted to share content or passwords with their friends and peers. Forbid them to do this. Doing so puts all of their personal information at risk, and if they share other private details online, it could also lead to harm and instances of bullying and trolling online. There are also a lot of catfishing incidents on the rise, which is dangerous. Do not let them shop online alone as well. It's also important to teach them the ethics of safe browsing. Parents can also set up two-factor authentication to monitor what kids get to access.
5. Password protect your WIFI
Whether home or in public, always make it a habit to use trusted internet services which require a password to log onto. Advise your kids to only use or download apps or websites which come from trusted sources. Using specific filters or services can also prohibit them from accessing adult or mature content, which might not be suited for them.
6.Ask them to surf responsibly
While it's one thing to
protect your child from dangers of cyberbullying, you should also be encouraging your child to not engage in bullying or any act of trolling themselves. Peer pressure can make them do this but as their guardian, you should be explaining the many risks of this in a firm way. Even if they see a negative comment online, encourage them to not reply back and instead, report it.
Comments (0)