 |
| Image Credit: Unsplash |
{This is a collaborative post}
In this digital age, having unfiltered access to the internet is not surprising that parents need to take extra precautions to make sure that their children are not exposed to illicit content and are prevented from becoming easy targets for criminals to latch on to.
That is why you need to implement safety procedures to ensure that when working online both you and your children are safe.
Tip 1: Monitor your child’s activity
Children growing up with devices has become the norm in most households, so as a parent you need to keep an eye on their online activities. This doesn’t mean you should only check their browser history, you need to actively know what they are doing at all times. Other than knowing what sites they are frequenting, learn about who they are talking to online, and know who their friends are on social media. Urge them to tell you when strangers try to friend them online. Screen what games they play beforehand to discern whether it is age-appropriate. Also, keep a close eye on how much time they spend online, and limit it so they don’t become too dependent on a device.
Tip 2: Engage in active communication with your children
Engaging in active discussions with your children is vital, this helps you be in the know about their online activities. Make sure that they feel safe to bring up anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or scared online. Whenever possible, talk to your children about who they are speaking to online. Let them know about the possible dangers of being too friendly with strangers online, and make them aware of practices that criminals use and the ways that they can protect themselves from harm.
Tip 3: Protect your privacy
Make sure that you take certain precautions to protect your devices and internet users by implementing protocols on the system. Set up age restrictions and allow your children to access websites that are suitable for them to use. Consider looking at an antivirus for PC options for your needs and how they can adapt to it. They will be able to detect malware and spyware trying to latch onto your device.
Tip 4: Limit the information that you post online
One of the best ways to protect your family is to limit the personal information that you post. That way it won’t be easy to trace back to you. Limit the amount of pictures and information about your family. Don’t share your whereabouts while you are out, and don’t allude to your home being empty, as it can be an easy target for criminals looking for an easy victim.
Tip 5: Practice what you preach
When you teach your children about online safety, you need to show them that the rules apply to you. Make sure that your devices are also protected with anti-malware software and the like. This will make them warm up more to the idea of online safety methods. When they see the actions you take, they will follow suit. When you try to teach a child about online safety, they need to understand that even adults can fall victim to cybercrime and it is something everyone should try to prevent.
Conclusion:
When it comes to online safety for children, you need to make sure that they know about the possible dangers and ways to protect themselves from harm. As a parent, you need to be honest with them and lead by example, to show them that protection is for everyone, and prevention is the key to having a fulfilling online experience.
