Parents play an important role in teaching children the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves from online dangers.
These seven tips will help you get started.
1. Internet safety
Be prepared to discuss internet safety with your child before you begin discussing it. These online resources can help you start conversations with your child about the following topics:
- Basics of Web Threats
- Phishing
- Online Games
- Social Networking
2. Get in touch early
Are you worried that your child will soon use a tablet or computer? It’s a good time to have a conversation about this with your child, to help them understand potential dangers. It is not too late if your child is already using a tablet or computer. Start the conversation as soon as possible. It takes time to teach children internet safety skills. Make sure you have regular conversations with your child to build trust online.
3. Be honest and open
Trust is built through open and honest communication with your child. Talk with your child about what they like to do online, as well as their favorite apps and websites. Always listen and be supportive. Talk to your child if you discover that your child has done something inappropriate online. Be supportive and listen with an open mind. Talk to your child about the best ways for him or her to be safe online. Your child will be more likely than ever to reach out to you in case they have any issues online.
4. While it is important to establish rules, you should also allow for flexibility
Involve your child in the decision-making process when setting ground rules for your child. This builds trust and allows them to be more in control of their online safety. Your child’s use of the internet will change as they get older. Flexibility is key to ensuring that rules are relevant and age-appropriate. Your child may find it more important to use the internet to do homework as they get older. It may not be possible to set a limit on how much time they can access the internet. Instead, discuss with your child a flexible schedule so they can use the internet only for their specific needs.
5. Analogies are a good idea
Children may find cybersecurity concepts like password sharing and computer viruses abstract. These concepts can be explained better if you compare them to something familiar to your child using analogies. You could explain, for example, that sharing your password online is like giving away your key to your home. It helps children understand cybersecurity and physical security better by connecting to the real world.
6. Show, not just tell
Children might follow what they see instead of what is told them. To help children understand the importance of staying safe online, use examples and demonstrations. You can, for example, sit down with your child and go through his or her favorite websites. Then, show your child how to create strong passwords. You can show your child the various letters, numbers, and symbols that he/she can use and demonstrate how they can create passwords using memories. To help your child learn internet safety, you can play educational online games.
7. Be a role model
Children learn from watching and following the example of others. Parents are therefore the most influential influence in shaping their behavior. Your child should see that you can abide by the rules you have set for them. If you have established a set of meals and bedtimes for your child, ensure that you adhere to the same rules. They will be able to set an example and encourage them to adhere to the rules.
Your child will become more comfortable using the internet. However, it is important to keep safety a top priority. You can help your child build a solid foundation for using the internet responsibly and safely by having open conversations with them early on.
You can also use parental control apps like Safes to protect your kid online
