With the rise of social media and online games, children have become addicted to the wonders that come with the internet. Not only is there something on offer for absolutely everyone, but it is easily accessible, meaning individuals spend every spare second that they have to entertain themselves with it. Whatever stage of development a child is in, it is important that they know what the internet is and how to use it correctly. As technology rapidly advances, it has become more important than ever for parents to actively teach their child about the importance of internet safety. The internet is definitely a wonderful resource but can also be a dangerous place for children who are not aware of the risks that it poses. Continue reading for some tips from this private school in Gloucestershire, on exploring internet safety with your child.
Talk to your child about internet safety
The first step in exploring internet safety with your little one is to have an open and honest conversation about what it can be like to use the internet incorrectly, and the risks that come with it. Explain to your child that whilst the Internet is a great place and the perfect tool for learning and communication, there are also many potential dangers such as cyber bullying, online predators and exposure to inappropriate content. Allow the conversation to be open and relaxed to ensure your child doesn’t feel like they are getting told off. Encourage them to come to you with absolutely any concerns or questions that they may have about their online activities, especially if they see something that scares them.
Teach your child the importance of online privacy
One of the most important aspects of internet safety is ensuring your child protects their online presence. Whilst it is very intriguing and exciting to youngsters to have a public platform where millions across the world can view their content, and give them praise and tips on how to be better, it can be very easy to blur the lines between being online and protecting privacy. Teach your child about the importance of not sharing any personal information such as their full name, address, phone number and school. Help your child set up privacy settings on their social media accounts and explain to them why it is so important to only accept friend requests from people that they know in real life. Whilst the online world is providing multiple opportunities for young people to begin a career, ensure that your child is fully aware of the dangers that the internet poses before they proceed with anything.
Monitor your child’s online activity
Whilst it is extremely important to trust your child, it is also important to monitor their online activity, especially if they are young and don’t really understand how the internet works. Keep computers, laptops and other digital devices in a common area in the house where you can keep an eye on what your child is doing when they are spending time online. Make use of parental controls to block inappropriate content and set limits on screen time. If your child struggles with this, reiterate that if they continue to be safe online and gain your trust, then eventually they will be able to use the internet independently.
Talk about cyberbullying
Unfortunately, cyber bullying has become a common occurrence on the internet. Given that bullies have the chance to hide behind a screen and a false name, they find that their confidence builds and target a lot more people than they would in real life. Teach your child about the different types of cyber bullying such as online harassment and posting hurtful comments or images. Remind your child to report any cyber bullying to you or their teacher, especially if they know who it is.
Exploring internet safety with your child is an important step to keeping them safe and protected when exploring the online world. By taking these steps, you can help your child safely navigate their way across the internet whilst enjoying all the benefits it has to offer.
