These days kids are spending more time on the internet than playing outside. And no matter how much we try to stop them, they won’t be able to since they depend on the digital devices to complete many of their daily tasks which include doing homework, socializing, play games, and several others.
It means the whole world to them, and if it’s taken from them, they can get disturbed and upset over it. However, many dangers await your child once he/she dabs into the virtual world. These dangers can be in the form of a cyberbully, unsafe content, physical and mental problems associated with social media usage. If you love your child and wish they have a safe and educational screen time then you can follow the below-listed tips for their safety.
Teach them Before They Learn the Hard Way
You might have used a bit of technology in your youth or do now and with time have become familiar with it. As it is not just about finding recipes and connecting and friends. Millions of people make use of technology and not all of them use it to get help in daily tasks. Some of these people can be hackers or cyberbullies. They can impose serious harm to your kids who are using the internet and don’t know what to do in case a suspicious activity takes place.
Before allowing them to use a device, you can tell them about the dangers they can face. Give them examples to let them know what they’re in for. And then teach them what they can do in case of a doubtful thing like such occurs. You can tell them to call you immediately if such a thing happens and not handle it themselves.
Trust Them
It’s a good thing to teach and show your kids the dangers of the internet and put up barriers for their safety. However, putting up too many limitations on the web usage for your child can result in their misbehavior. If you force them not to use certain apps, they will want to have a look at them even more. If this continues they can develop it into a habit that can stay for a long time and affect their actions.
Teach your kids and then give them space and observe if they follow your directions or not. Most likely, they will follow you when you make them understand the dangers they can face.
Ensure Security Measures
As trouble makers on the web continue to find ways to provoke danger, various software and applications are providing better safety solutions for the users to stay safe. You can upgrade the security of the device your child is using by installing various antiviruses and antimalware. These software prevent internet viruses and inform you about the dangers you can face. Other than these, for safe internet usage, you can download plugins to browser for secure search and turn search safety mode on.
You can also look for apps that provide internet safety packages; a good example is Famisafe. These apps can provide you with many options that ensure your child’s safety. Their services may include protection from cyberbullying, content filtration, and record screen time while being able to locate your child’s whereabouts.
Educate them on the right usage of Social Media
Kids these days spent a lot of time on social media by connecting with their friends and scrolling through profiles. They also make new friends online and share their daily activities with them. Social media is a vast platform and people of different categories from all over the world are using it. It is wise to educate your kids in using social media. You can instruct them to not talk to strangers or to share pictures and personal information with friends. Each day several people are being hacked off their social media accounts with their info and images in the hands of a stranger. Protect your child to prevent them from facing a tragedy that could ruin their life.
