How to Start Educating Your Kids about Online Safety

There’s More than One Risk

We focus on the criminal problems on the internet, but your kids are far more likely to run into somebody out to hurt their feelings because they think it’s funny or the internet “doesn’t matter.” People are likely to ruin their fun, call them names, and otherwise be, well…jerks, so you need to prepare yourself for the moment when they come to you in tears. Help your kids set this behavior into context, before it happens so that they can deal with it effectively.

What Can You Share?

The most common internet criminal is one who tries to get personal information to steal identities. They might ask about your personal details, or they might ask your kids for their identifying data. So, teach kids what’s OK to share and what isn’t OK to share. And if a “friend” keeps pushing for their personal info, then maybe that person isn’t a friend at all!

Set ‘Internet Time’

It helps to set specific times during the day when your kids can be online, especially when you can be there to supervise. Set aside specific blocks where possible; a block should be set aside for school work, while other times can be for online games or talking to friends. Time limits help keep kids from poking into places they shouldn’t be wandering online, and ensure you’re there to step in.

Keep Communicating

When your kids are on the internet, be sure to talk to them every day about what they’re doing, who they’re talking to, what games they’re playing, and so on. This serves two purposes; one, it lets you in on what your kids are doing, on their terms. And two, it lets them know that they can come to you and ask you about behavior that makes them uncomfortable or that hurts their feelings.

Be Careful With Strangers

A good rule, just like in the real world, is to be careful with strangers. Kids should understand that on the internet, people may not be who they say they are. Set a standard for younger children that they should only talk with people they know in real life; older kids should be able to tell you how they know their friends on social media. If they’re reluctant to tell you about a friend they have, that’s a bad sign.

Use Parental Control Apps

Finally, while building trust and respect between child and parent is important, the reality is that kids will be kids. They love to go where they’re not supposed to, and they can be lured there by those will ill intent. Parental control apps will let you enforce time limits, content limits, and anything else you may want to keep tabs on with the internet. An app will go a long way towards peace of mind, for you and your child.

Need help ensuring your kids have a positive experience with the internet? Learn more about Screen Time.