The internet has become one of the most notable enablers of information access, with numerous activities taking place on it day in, day out. However, the fact that the internet remains a ‘space without border’ means there is little or no control as to the things that get transmitted through it. This reality presents significant security and/or privacy concerns to internet users, and kids are usually the most vulnerable – this is why measures towards ensuring internet safety for kids and teens must not be treated with laxity by parents/guardians.
Parents need to consider the benefits along with the risks of using the internet for children’s overall well-being – this is necessary as these children may get exposed to threats like cyber bullying, cyber-pornography, harassment, and so on. This is why internet safety for kids article such as the one that has been put forward are of importance in providing parents with vital tips for internet safety for kids that will help guide their children’s use of the internet.
You should not provide your children with the devices and broadband plan required for internet connection without setting and communicating the principles [of internet usage] to them. For one, you should set time limits on their internet activities to curtail instances of overindulgence which could affect other aspects of their life – their academics and health, for instance. Plus, you should also talk about the need for confidentiality, especially when it comes to sharing information [such as the home address, their names, etc.] online.
Educating your kids on the use of the internet safety is one of the first [and continued] steps that must be taken to ensure online internet safety for kids . You should let them know that the internet space is filled with strangers like cyber bullies and other cybercriminals who might want to take advantage of them. To this end, you can teach your kids how to report and block such internet users once they come in contact with them. Also, you should make your kids understand that they can always talk to you once they come across anything that makes them uncomfortable online. Children should be made aware of the probable existence of malicious links and websites over the internet, and why they must steer clear of these links.
Some ample filters or features can be integrated or activated to help you monitor and manage the contents that your children get to see on the internet. With these, your children will be prevented from accessing pornographic or violent contents over the internet. Relatedly, having a viable security suite installed can also protect you and your kids from falling victims to internet fraudsters.
Ensuring cyber internet safety for kids should however not be limited to the points raised above. You should endeavor to know the other devices your children are using to connect to the internet, and also regularly go through the browser’s history to see if there is anything untoward. Again, it is recommended that you keep your kid’s computer in a central position where you can easily monitor his/her online activities. Beyond all these, you should look out for possible psychological or behavioral changes that may reflect internet-related anomalies [e.g., cyber bullying, exposure to online predators or inappropriate internet contents, etc] in your children.
