Whether we like it or not, the world has become online in recent years. Often, children and teenagers are more familiar with electronic devices than anything else, and are very proficient at using them. But just because this technology is common and useful, it doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Here are a few ways to make sure your children are safe online and that they know how to use it wisely.
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Screen Time
The first thing to be aware of is how much time your children spend online and using electronic devices. Different households have different rules along these lines, but it’s important to have boundaries in place that your children understand.
Depending on your child’s education, they might need to use the internet for schoolwork. As well as this, there’s nothing wrong with a balanced use of technology and electronic devices for entertainment.
One way to manage screen time is by using parental blocks to control how much time children use their devices for. You can also restrict specific apps at certain times or even switch off internet access at different times of the day.
Controlling screen time isn’t just a way to annoy your child. It protects them. Screens are addictive for children and adults alike, and constantly staring at a screen can be damaging to your child’s social development and health.
Potential Predators
Nobody wants to think about the fact that people could hurt their children, but it’s an unfortunate fact of the world. The internet can be such a dangerous place and children are very vulnerable.
Make sure your children are informed about potential dangers. As they get older, you can talk about these dangers more and how they can protect themselves. It’s also a good idea to make sure that younger children aren’t left unsupervised with their devices for long periods of time.
You don’t know who you’re talking to online. You can chat or play games with anyone around the world and, while most people just want to have fun, you have to be aware of the few who could hurt your children.
If possible, make sure your children game and talk with people they know and that you know.
Avoiding Scams
As well as online predators, you also need to watch out for potential scams and hacking attempts. Again, this is something that everyone should be careful of, because adults and children are equally prone to falling for a scam.
The more informed you are about the potential threats of the internet, the better you can teach your children.
One increasingly common issue is icloud scams, where the potential hacker or scammer uses Apple branding to appear legitimate. If your child receives any emails that they’re unsure of, make sure they know to check with you and never click any links.
Scammers use these tactics to try to steal money, fraudulently sell things, download viruses, and even steal data and identities. Scam tactics are constantly changing, so it’s important to be cautious when you or your children are using the internet.
Mental Health Concerns
Unfortunately, children and teenagers in recent years are suffering more and more with mental health concerns. Some of this can be related to how they use the internet.
Cyberbullying, where someone is being bullied via the internet or their devices, can be a massive drain on your child’s happiness. They can’t even get away from bullying in their own homes. Social media can make it hard for children to maintain a good attention span and they can feel worse about themselves due to some influencers online.
Another concern is the aforementioned predators, who often tell children not to tell their parents or other trusted adults. This can cause feelings of shame and isolation.
It’s not always possible to monitor what your children are doing online. You have to think about their privacy and the fact that they might not always understand your concerns. But you can monitor other signs that they are struggling.
Children and teenagers do change as they get older, but if they change drastically or become more withdrawn, it can be a sign that something is going on. Speak to your child and try to be as approachable as possible. It’s hard to think about your child struggling with something that you can’t help with, but it can happen.
In some cases, it’s best for your child to see a counselor or mental health professional. They can give them more guidance for specific problems.
For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection
