Over 70% of kids can get online easily due to technology. This early access to the internet can be both good and bad. On the positive side, the internet is full of educational materials and fun activities. It’s a great tool for learning and enjoyment. But, the internet can also be dangerous. This is why it’s so important for parents to understand these dangers and take steps to make internet browsing safer for their child(ren).
Understanding the Risks
The internet is filled with information and experiences, but not all are appropriate for children. Key concerns include exposure to unsuitable content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Children also risk encountering explicit material or deceptive advertising while browsing. To avoid these for your child(ren), there are ways to make internet browsing safer for them.
Setting Boundaries and Supervising Use
To make browsing the internet safer for your children, you need to set some rules. These rules will guide them on what websites they can visit and how long they can stay online each day. Make sure to use child-friendly search engines, as they are safer and more appropriate. Also, remember to turn on safety settings or parental controls on their devices. This will add an extra layer of protection and help keep them safe while they explore the online world.
“Millions more are addicted to Internet pornography, which has led to a horrific increase in the sexual exploitation of children and attacks on young girls naive enough to arrange meetings with men.”
Charles W. Colson
Educating Children
Surely, your kids will have many questions about the internet. They might not understand why they can’t do certain activities or watch specific things online. Hence, it’s your job to help them. Explain to them in simple terms the risks that come with using the internet.
Teach them to be very careful when it comes to sharing their personal details like their name, age, school, and home address. Also, tell them to avoid clicking on links that they don’t recognize or that come from people they don’t know.
Remember, it’s important to make them feel comfortable with the idea that if they ever see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable or that they don’t understand, they should come to you right away. This way, you can help them navigate the situation.
Using Parental Control Tools
There are lots of devices and services on the internet that come with built-in parental controls. These handy tools are designed to do a number of things. They can block access to content that is not suitable for young eyes. They can also limit the amount of time your child spends staring at the screen.
On top of that, they can keep an eye on what your child is doing online. Even though this might feel like snooping, the main purpose is to make internet browsing safer for your child.
Maintaining Open Communication
Always let your kids share about their time spent on the internet. Keeping the conversation going can assist them in dealing with any issues that come up.
Remember, your aim isn’t to keep your children away from the internet entirely. Instead, we want to ensure that they use it in a safe and responsible manner.
When guided correctly, the internet can become a great place for them to learn and discover new things. So, if you haven’t started, start working to make internet browsing safer for your child(ren).
Happy Safer Internet Day
Temiloluwa Oyelami
Can you think of a better way to help a person who has experienced gender-based violence find their voice better than showing them someone who came out stronger on the other side? No? Me neither. LOL
Yes, our founder Anita Adefuye has been through SOME of the things we talk about here and dared to share my story of sexual abuse, low mental health, suicide, but also how I overcame.
And so, without further ado, Anita’s book, Reve-Healed – A true story of pain, healing, and hope, is available for purchase. Get yourself a copy today and gift someone as a message of hope and new beginnings.
Leave a Reply