Today is the “Digital Age” where children are connecting to the world through game systems, laptops, smartphones, personal computers and other devices to learn and engage in “Cyberspace”. Social Media is virtually at any child’s fingertips including Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, and other downloadable applications including Snapchat. While the cyber world is part of “real life” and can provide a valuable resource for entertainment, keeping in touch and education, there is a good reason to be cautious. Just like avoiding “bad” people, places, or things in the real world the same must be done for online. It is important for adults to help provide common sense, guidance and protection. Below are some suggestions that may help you:
1. Set house rules
- Most adults do not have an awareness of how much time they spend on their own devices. It is critical from the start to decide how much time you are comfortable with your children using the internet and devices.
- American Academy of Pediatrics offers education and suggestions on this topic, including screen time and guidelines by age group.
https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Pages/Media-and-Children.aspx
- Post rules or you may even decide on signing a contract.
- www.safekids.com has a list of suggestions
- Talk about and agree to consequences for violating rules ahead of time.
- Keep your computer in a central spot and create rules around where devices can be used in the home.
- Create a space in the home where devices are kept before bedtime.
- Supervise children’s use of forums or chat rooms as predators can sometimes try and trick kids into giving information.
- Stay informed on current threats so that you will be aware of tricks and trends.
- Research kid-friendly search engines that might be right for your situation
- Check out Google’s Safety Center for additional tips
2. Step into their “Cyber-world”
- Get involved by frequently checking in while they are on-line.
- Create profiles and connect with them through social networking that you have approved.
- Before you buy a cell phone, know what the device can do in terms of internet, camera, apps, downloads.
- Consider limiting their ability to install apps without your help.
- Check app permissions to make sure an app is not compromising your child’s privacy or the security of your network.
- Periodically check their cell phone.
- Talk to your child about Cyber bullying and know how to respond.
3. Teach children how to protect their privacy
While they may not fully understand the consequence of providing personal information online, it is important to educate children to:
- Never to give their name, phone number, e-mail address, password, postal address, school, or picture without your permission.
- Not open e-mails or messages from people they do not know.
- Not to download apps or programs from unknown sources.
- Not to ever “meet” or get together with someone they met offline.
- Remember, there is no such thing as “anonymity” online. Likewise there is no such thing as a disappearing message, post, etc regardless of what an app may say. The internet is a history machine.
4. Turn your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and your phone carrier into your “ally”
- Your internet service provider may have free parental controls that can limit access to websites and communication features by age, content categories, time, and other choices.
- For savoy computer users, changing your DNS (Domain Name System) server to a service like OpenDNS Family Shield can help filter inappropriate content. There are also many similar paid versions with greater control.
- Your cell phone carrier can also assist you with parental controls with features that may be activated like restricted calling, texting or time of day usage.
Additional information can be found in the below links:
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/net-safety.html
https://kids.usa.gov/online-safety/index.shtml
http://www.parenting.com/article/keeping-your-child-safe-on-the-internet