Internet-savvy advice: what to post online. Using the internet as a tool for learning, exploring, being creative, and connecting with important people, kids have access to great new methods to learn about the world. They are now more exposed to threats including improper content, online bullying, and even exploitation as a result of their increased screen time.
There are practical internet safety measures that help shield kids from potentially hazardous or inappropriate content and activities, and parents play a key role in keeping their kids safe online. Here are some strategies for giving your kids enjoyable and worthwhile screen time.
1. Discuss safety
Start a discussion with them about internet safety. Talk to them about the dangers that could arise, the value of setting limits, and how to protect their privacy. Encourage children to refuse inquiries that make them uncomfortable and to tell you if a stranger approaches them and begs for their personal information. It’s crucial to teach kids the importance of sharing and to emphasize the fact that anything they post online is visible to everyone for a very long period of time.
2. Create house rules
Try to create boundaries on device use, such as not allowing them to use their gadgets in their room and setting the amount of screen time kids get in a day. Put larger devices, like laptops, in areas where they may be better monitored while online.
3. Engage with them online
Check over their profiles and posts, as well as their app downloads and browsing histories, to see if there are any warning signs. Get to know their online friends so you can work through the situation together. Teach them to alert you to any offensive messages or posts on their social media feed. It is preferable to restrict their posts to “friends only” rather than public settings for their protection.
4. Activate parental controls
There are phone features that let you set content limits and phone restrictions. Parents can disable the “browse incognito” feature in Google Chrome and choose which websites their children are allowed to access. With the help of the Family Link app from the search engine, you can also enable the function that disables violent and sexually explicit websites. In order to guarantee that your child only has access to content that is appropriate for their age, you can also enable parental controls on streaming services. Internet-savvy advice: what to post online.
5. Examine reviews
Before letting your child download an app, do some research on it. You should also take the time to pre-screen games, movies, or TV shows by reading reviews before letting your child use his device to play or watch them. Even better, play or watch it with him to double the fun!
6. Establish reliable connections
Make it a point to spend time with them frequently. By doing this, you’ll build their trust and make it easier for children to talk to you about the events and circumstances they come across while scrolling. While you are eating supper together, you can exchange amusing items you find online, such as humorous videos, amazing facts, or current events, to create a more casual atmosphere. They will be able to utilize the internet more wisely and set the bar for their own behavior online thanks to this.