Kids today are growing up in a world where everyone is connected, and people spend a lot of time looking at screens. The internet has provided us with a wealth of information and enabled us to be connected like no other time in human history. It is a great learning tool, with so many online courses and apps which really enhance the educational experience. It also helps us to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away.
While the internet has brought many advantages, there are also many potential hazards which parents need to be aware of. So, we have put together these four internet safety tips for children.
Minimize Screen Time
Spending a lot of time staring at a screen can have some adverse effects on your child’s vision, as well as their general health and mood. Therefore, you should always set a limit on the amount of time that you kids spend looking at mobile devices or computers.
Encourage them to do other activities like playing with toys or doing sports. Make sure that you are a positive role model in this area because if your kids always see you on a device, they will want to do it as well.
Parental Controls
Most internet providers and electronics manufacturers have parental control features which can help you limit what individual users can and can’t watch. This is particularly useful if you use a streaming site, like Hulu or Netflix, as you can restrict what times and programs your children can access by setting passwords.
The same can be done on sites such as YouTube, where there is a lot of content that is not age-appropriate for kids. Again, it is important to be clear on what can and can’t be done on specific sites and act accordingly.
Open Conversations
As your kids get older, there will be a lot of pressure to give them a smartphone or give them access to a tablet. When this happens, it is essential to talk with your kids about internet safety and set some boundaries. It is always a good idea to agree with times and some do’s and don’ts.
They need to be aware of potential dangers and know what to do if they encounter things or situations which make them uncomfortable.
Learn About The Latest Trends
In recent years, kids and teenagers have used social media and interactive games as a way to interact with one another. Unfortunately, there isn’t any regulation in this industry, so they could potentially be exposed to lots of inappropriate content. Social media apps, such as Instagram and Snapchat, are popular places to share photos and videos about almost anything while games like Fortnite have been very successful around the world.
As a parent, it is a great idea to be aware of what can and can’t be done in these apps and games, and then make an informed decision from there. Speak with your kids about why they want to use these apps and then set some user rules together.
