Almost every kid is online these days, whether it be using the internet to complete their assignments or projects, entertainment, or using social media.
In this age and time, you will rarely find a kid who does not have access to the internet. 45% of teenagers are 'almost constantly' online, and almost 95% have access to a smartphone, according to Pew Research Center. Hence, it becomes more imperative that they and parents understand the risks and consequences of going online.
We all hear about incidents which have happened in the past to kids (and adults!) online. People still refuse to take online safety seriously and are unaware of the dangers it can pose, thinking that they would never be affected by such circumstances.
Almost every kid is online these days, whether it be using the internet to complete their assignments or projects, entertainment, or using social media.
However, parents cannot monitor their kids constantly as they get older, as it would seem as if the parents are invading their kid's privacy. As they are becoming much more independent from their parents, it is natural that they would want a bit more privacy. However, overly suppressing them and strict control over their internet usage might, in return become detrimental.
As a consequence of the pandemic, online learning is the new normal around the world. During this phase, parental support and guidance are critical.
Here, we have compiled a list of guidelines for both kids and parents to follow to be safe online.
Guidelines for kids:
- Make sure you do not give out your personal information, such as phone number or home/school/parents' work addresses.
- Never text or befriend people on the internet that you do not know for sure the identity of and have never met in person.
- Be cautious and think twice before posting anything online as nothing you post online can be entirely deleted.
- Respect other people on the internet and understand that different people have different views.
- Make sure that you do not post photos of yourself on public sites.
- If someone sends a threatening or a message that makes you uncomfortable in any way, talk with your parents or any trusted adult that can help you.
- While playing online games or anything similar, use only fake screen names and never share your passwords with anyone but your parents.
- Remember to be careful while downloading anything from a website that is not reliable and ask your parents before doing so.
- It is unsafe to press any links in emails or texts from an unexpected sender without consulting with your parents.
Cyberbullying:
Bullying, unfortunately, has always been a common occurrence. But, in this digital age, cyberbullying has also become prevalent, especially in countries like India, Brazil and the United States.
Parents must teach their kids not to respond and immediately block hate comments and manage. Help your kids with their self-esteem and explain to them that bullies are the ones who are cowards that hate on people who they think are better than them. In situations like this, it becomes even more vital to establish a healthy relationship based on trust and communication with your kids.
Keep an eye for any of the following warning signs of a child being cyberbullied.
- A decline in grades: If your child starts showing signs of a drop in grades, instead of scolding them, try to figure out what the possible reason could be.
- Disinterest in social or school events: A child who is a victim of cyberbullying will rarely show any interest in activities that the child may have previously enjoyed.
- Stressing when they receive emails, texts or other alerts unnecessarily: If they get frightened or uncomfortable when they hear notifications or alerts, it is recommended that you take a look at what is causing this distress.
- Phone calls from unknown people
- Receiving unexpected packages or gifts from unknown people for your kids.
- Depression or mood swings can be, although not always an indicator of being cyberbullied.
- Being reluctant to discuss their online activities and unwilling to use their mobile phones in front of you and suddenly switches off their computer.
- Your child might show signs of having suicidal thoughts.
- Spending a lot of time online, especially at night.
Never overly lax on your child's computer use, but being oppressive and hovering over their every move is not good either. If your child is willing to disclose their activities online, do not criticize them but be supportive and make them feel comfortable with confessing to you. Do not immediately get rid of their internet access and similar privileges as this may cause them to not want to discuss net related problems in the future with you.
However, we are not implying that the digital world is a super scary place that we must never use. With proper precautions, both kids and parents can have remarkable and enjoyable experiences online.
Guidelines for Parents:
- Kids will consciously or unconsciously follow the example set by parents. Hence, make sure that you practice safe browsing and learn about the threats that being online could pose.
- Ensure that you and your kid have a good relationship with an open line of communication, and they are comfortable sharing their concerns with you.
- Teach them about the different threats (phishing emails, virus-infected apps, etc.) that are present online.
- Explain to them what they are allowed to and not allowed to do online and why they are not allowed to do so. If they disagree, hear out their opinion and explain to them the dangers they could face.
- Install parental controls and antivirus software. In addition, encourage the use of child-friendly search engines and using youtube kids or something similar.
- The browser history can be an efficient way to check the sites your child visits.
- Do not encourage your kids to lie and make accounts on social media or any websites that already have an age restriction for a reason.
- Teach them how to block and report on the sites they visit online.
- It is essential to make sure that you can monitor your child's online presence without seeming to invade their privacy.
- Keep an eye on unusual billings from your credit card or phone.
- Placing the computer and encouraging the usage of mobile phones and other electronic devices in a shared room is advisable.
- Ensure that your child isn't using a computer or any device without your supervision somewhere other than home.
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