5 Things Parents Can Do to Protect Their Child On The Internet

Letting your kid use the smart device so that you can spend some time alone can be dangerous. You never know what type of content your kids can come across and if a stranger is waiting to talk to them on the internet.

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to provide a safe space for your kids in the real and virtual worlds.

Read on for more information.

#1. Set Internet Rules

Making rules can help you function as a healthy family living in a safe environment. When there are set rules, everyone knows what to expect.

Consider the following:

• No one should share personal information, including name, address, password, etc., with a stranger on the internet.
• It’s a stranger danger if someone asks for credit card information and requests not to tell the parents.
• The exchange of images of any kind isn’t allowed. For school projects, ask permission from parents.
• You can’t accept random friend requests.
• Don’t talk to random strangers online.
• Play online games under adult supervision.
• And more!

Print the internet rules for your family and keep them in the most visible spot where everyone can see them. Then, you can go further ahead and establish the punishments for breaking each rule. For example, if they play games online without adult supervision, no chocolates for a week.

You can decide what works for your family.

#2. Use A Common Computer/Laptop/Smart Device

If it’s hard to keep an eye on the kids and the content they consume, then it’s wise to use a common device for online work and communication. Let everyone in the family know that it’s a common device so parents can access what kids do behind their backs.

Everyone in your family knows about information access and that it’s a shared computer or laptop so they would be careful on the internet. But first, it’s best to tell your kids how to be polite while online and never indulge in cyber bullying or calling other names. Also, if they face any such issue, they must talk to you about it.

#3. Use Parental Control

If your kids use your smartphone, then instead of putting on the poems on YouTube, consider YouTube Kids. Take advantage of the parental control settings. Some parents rely on spy tracker apps to monitor their phone usage. It’s up to you as a parent as to where you draw the line.

Actively find the apps that are appropriate for your kid’s age. You have to be mindful and make sure the content is child-friendly. It may sound challenging, but that’s the beauty of parenting. Parenting lets you see things from a different perspective. It’s also rewarding at the same time.

#4. Limit Screen Time

There has been an increase in screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a survey by Statista in 2021, 51% of parents reported their kids spending more than 3 hours each day on screen apart from online homework-related time.

When you limit your child’s screen time, it will be much easier to monitor the activities. On the other hand, letting your kids play all day without adult supervision won’t be ideal. Also, tell your kids that you need to be with them and monitor online activities because of the dangers of the online world.

#5. Talk about Internet Safety And Dangers

Talking about the online world’s safety and dangers must be your number one priority. When you give a valid reason to children why they need to limit their internet use, not play a specific game or use a particular app, they will understand your concern.

Honest communication is the key to keeping your kids safe from the dangers of the online world. If you don’t communicate openly, your kids won’t prefer to tell you who they talk to or what type of games they play online with their friends. So, educate your kids about the pros and cons of using the internet. Let them know you love and care for them, and it’s essential to convey your message.

Final Words

Kids are not born with manuals or instructions, so you must figure out life as you move along. Nowadays, the internet is an essential part of your life, and you must be aware of your kids’ online activities. You can start by setting internet rules for the family, using a common family device, setting parental controls, limiting screen time, and also, don’t forget to educate your kids about the dangers of the online world. Meanwhile, enjoy life to the fullest as kids grow up and leave your nest someday. Finally, don’t be harsh on yourself or the kids, as you need to have open and honest communication about various factors in life, including internet use!