Exploring internet safety with your child

The internet is a wild place, full of fun, excitement, and big opportunities. Schools have now incorporated it into lessons to help learning and have special sites created so students can chat with their teachers directly and complete homework online. However, similar to everything else, there are also downsides to children exploring the internet. In a world where technology is rapidly growing, so are the opportunities online to be exposed to inappropriate things. As long as children are young, it is important to not allow them unsupervised access to the internet and to teach them the correct way to approach and behave on it. Below is some advice on where to begin when it comes to exploring the internet with your child.

Explain how the internet works

To really keep your child safe online, it is important to explain what the internet is. There is no use telling them to be careful of ‘phishing’ and ‘online scammers’ if they have no idea how the internet works and what threats can be present. Describe the internet as a place where anything can take place and be stored. Remind them it is very easy to gain access to the internet, especially in an age where everyone carries a piece of technology on them at all times. Explain how some sites may look trustworthy but to never click on them if they seem unfamiliar. Show your child the difference between a real and fake website so they know what to look out for.

Social Media

At this point, almost every teenager is on some form of social media platform. Whilst their intentions of being on there may be innocent, there are others on there with not so innocent motives. Given that it could be anyone behind the screen, it is important to remind your teen not to share any private photos or information with anyone they have met online. Even if the person seems trustworthy, it is better to be safe than sorry. Instil the mindset of if they wouldn’t be okay with you knowing what they’re sharing, then they shouldn’t be going near it at all. Encourage your child to confide with you in times of difficulty instead of keeping secrets.

K Elizabeth xoxox

*Collaborative Post