The Tools Parents Can Use To Make Sure Their Kids Are Safe Online
Nowadays, the internet is ubiquitous. Unless you’re living a totally disconnected home life, you can expect that it’s only a matter of time before your kids get access to the internet. What age they should be when they’re first given full reign of a device might be a conversation for your family to have together but, whenever that is, you should make sure you’re doing what you can to help them keep safe.
Make yourself their go-to
The first thing that you should do is think about what kind of websites and online tools and apps you want your child to access. You can make sure that the gates of the internet aren’t so wide open that they can do just about anything that they want by using software that can block them from certain websites. Beyond that, make it clear that your kid can come to you whenever they have any difficulties, whether it’s a technical issue or something that they are worried might breach the boundaries of good internet behavior. This means that you have to take less of a strict tone when it comes to transgressions to keep their trust.
Keep their devices protected
First of all, make sure that it’s clear to your kids that their smartphone, tablet, laptop, or whatever device they are using contains all sorts of data that can be used to do harm, such as identity theft. From there, you should make sure that any device they use independently is equipped with the security tools that they need, such as anti-malware software and, for mobile devices that might connect to public networks, a virtual private network. This way you can offer them at least the basic protection they need to avoid just anyone hacking into their devices when they’re out and about.
Teach them to keep their data safe
The biggest threat to your child’s data is not that some random person is going to hack their device. In most cases, a little protection is enough to deter anyone who would do that. Instead, the real threat is that your child might end up giving out that data of their own volition. It’s important to talk about the threats of things like phishing scams and fake websites that can trick them into giving out login info. You should also make clear the things that they are never to share with anyone online, such as their current location, their address, and other details that could be used to do real harm. Young people might pick up internet literacy quickly compared to others, but that doesn’t mean they also pick up internet savvy, which has to be taught.
Ensure they’re using it responsibly
In a perfect world, you could teach your child what they need to know, as well as the standards for what sites they’re going to use, and let them go. However, children are curious creatures and they may want to use websites they shouldn’t even if they have been told otherwise. It’s important to understand these mistakes are normal and to forgive (albeit with tighter controls when it happens.) However, you should also make sure you’re informed, and this solution provider for a phone monitoring app can show you how to keep up with all of your child’s online activities. When they have proved they can be responsible with the tech that they have, then you can let them have more independence as well.
Set standards for social media
One of the biggest concerns facing parents, and not for no reason, is that your children will start using social media and get caught in some of the bad behavior that can go on then. As well as a great place to hang out with friends, share funny pictures, and keep up with information that is relevant to them, social media can also be a highly confrontational place. Some parents put a blanket ban on social media because of the detrimental effects it can have on those who use it too much. You can use tools to limit their use time of such sites, but you should also make sure that your child is not posting anything online that they would not be comfortable with the whole world seeing.
The best that you can do is equip your kid with the tools and knowledge that can help them safe, but eventually, they will have to rely more on their own judgment. You can’t stop them from reaching that point so it’s better to ensure they’re likely to make the right decisions.
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