While many
different inventions have been monumental, the internet is one of a kind. It
has taken communication to the next level. There are several benefits of the
Internet for people of all ages. The internet is truly wonderful and
knowledgeable. But there is also an ill side to it. Scams, predators,
cyberbullying, hacking, inappropriate websites and content, etc. are a big part
of it. One can’t deny that as much as the internet is useful and revolutionary,
it could be used in many wrong ways as well.
Nowadays, it's
very common for children to use the internet for doing homework, playing games
and learning new things, etc. But the internet could be particularly dangerous
for kids, they are more vulnerable to all the aforementioned dangers. As a
parents it becomes your responsibility to make sure that they are safe, weather
it be online or in real life.
So what can you
as a parent do, protect your child's safety while on the internet? Here are
some tips to help keep your child safe online.
1.Check the devices
·Make sure your child’s device is running the
latest software and antivirus programs. Check if their privacy settings are on
all the time. Use tools such as Parental controls, including safe search.
Remember to check the privacy settings to minimize data collection. Check if
the window operating system used on your child device has all the latest
available software and security patches.
·Do not connect to
unsecured WiFi networks outside your home. We often go to public
places such as restaurants and malls without worrying about the online hackers
that could wait for our connection to start. Keeping your own devices safe is a
first step to ensure your child’s internet privacy.
2.Parent control apps
· Never
use third-party parental control apps where you have no idea how they tackle
the issue of data privacy. You can use parental control available within the
individual apps (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) Use parental control apps from big
tech companies to monitor the activity of your child.
· Don't
use parental tracking devices like smartwatches from just any company. There
are a few safety options like Samsung, Apple, etc., and don't leave smart
speakers on while not needed. Infact, any app which records keeps track of your
childs location or records conversations should be chosen carefully.
3.Privacy guidelines
· Keep
informed about their internet friends. Encourage them talk about who they are
communicating with on the internet and make sure they are not talking to online
predators.
· Teach
them to not share their personal information online for example contact,
location, name, personal pictures, etc. And for that, you will have to be aware
of new stuff getting introduced online from time to time.
4.Cyber security
· Educate
your kids about cyber security and online threats. Explain in simple words and
make them understand that they have to talk to you if something like this comes
up. Be aware of what your kids post online and if they are getting
bullied.
· Make
sure that your home devices have a very strong password. When you bring any new
smart device, remember to change its default password and check the security
and privacy setting of the device.
5.Lead by example
· Set
a good example for your kids. For setting the best kind of behavior you will
need to monitor yourself first. Show them how positive online behavior you
would like your children to use. Sometimes even involve them in whatever you
are reading on the internet.
· Let
them learn and explore information online but as per their age. Save their
favorite sites online and ensure the content they watch or read is
age-appropriate.
6.Focus on your kids online behaviour
· Keeping
an eye on your child's activities on the internet doesn’t make you an
overbearing parent. It makes you a responsible one. But, Instead of posing
excessive control over what children should not watch or read on the Internet.
Parents should focus on the useful side of the internet. Spend time online
together to show your children all the educational or harmless fun stuff they
can explore online.
At last, Do not
just give instructions to them, but explain everything properly. Not only for
internet safety but proper and precise communication with them will immensely
help you in the long run. after all, you can’t always make sure your child
will not encounter any trouble online or in real life. Establishing trust early
in life with your children will make it easier for them to ask for help
whenever they need it.
We at Little scholars school,
kashipur focus on creating internet awareness.