Child Safety Online: A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety

Don’t believe everything you see online! That is the easy way to say it, but it seems children are finding themselves online earlier and earlier. According to Pew Research Center, “two-thirds of parents in the U.S. say parenting is harder today than it was 20 years ago, with many citing technologies—like social media or smartphones—as a reason.”

As a parent, it’s crucial to stay informed about the potential dangers and learn how to protect your child in the vast online landscape. Below are some practical tips and strategies to help you keep your child safe while navigating the internet.

Start with Open Communication

The first step in ensuring your child’s online safety is to foster an open line of communication. Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences with you, both good and bad. Explain the potential dangers in age-appropriate terms, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online predators. Make sure your child understands that they can come to you if they ever feel unsafe or unsure about something they encounter online.

Establish Clear Rules for Internet Use

Set clear guidelines regarding the use of the internet in your home. These rules can include:

• Limiting screen time to certain hours of the day.
• Only visiting age-appropriate websites and apps.
• Not sharing personal information online, such as home addresses, phone numbers, or school locations.
• No downloading apps or software without parental approval.

Be consistent in enforcing these rules, and use them as an opportunity to teach responsible online behavior.

Use Parental Control Software

Parental control software is a helpful tool for monitoring and restricting your child's online activity. Many devices and internet providers offer built-in parental controls, allowing you to block certain websites, limit screen time, and monitor search activity. There are also third-party apps that offer more comprehensive solutions, such as filtering content, tracking device usage, and receiving alerts about potential dangers. Regularly review and update the settings as your child grows and their internet use evolves.

Teach the Importance of Privacy

Educate your child on the importance of keeping their personal information private. Explain that once something is shared online, it can be difficult to remove, and the wrong people may access it. Help them understand the risks of sharing photos, locations, or personal details on social media platforms or messaging apps. Encourage your child to set their profiles to private and only accept friend requests or messages from people they know in real life.

Be Aware of Social Media Risks

Social media is a common space where children and teens connect with their peers. However, it can also be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, identity theft, and inappropriate content. Familiarize yourself with the social media platforms your child is using, and review the privacy settings on each one. Encourage your child to report any uncomfortable or suspicious activity and to avoid engaging with strangers online.

Discuss the Dangers of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is one of the most prevalent online dangers that children face. It can happen through social media, messaging apps, or even online games. Teach your child to recognize cyberbullying and to avoid participating in it or tolerating it. Make sure they know how to block or report abusive users, and encourage them to speak to you if they experience or witness online bullying. Remind them that bullying, in any form, is unacceptable and harmful.

Stay Involved in Your Child’s Online Activities

Keep track of your child’s online presence by staying involved. This doesn't mean invading their privacy, but rather being a proactive participant in their digital life. You can:

• Set up shared accounts or family accounts for certain platforms.
• Encourage family-friendly activities online, such as educational games or watching instructional videos together.
• Regularly review the apps and websites they visit to ensure they align with your family’s values.

Be Mindful of Online Gaming

Many children are drawn to online gaming, where they can interact with players around the world. While this can be a fun and social experience, it can also expose them to inappropriate language, content, or contact with strangers. Set limits on gaming time, and use parental controls to manage which games are allowed. Encourage your child to stick to age-appropriate games and to avoid sharing personal information with other players.

Online gaming can also be a place where children could be exposed to in-app or in-game purchases. Freemium gaming platforms, a newer term which describes gaming platforms that bring players on to their game because of its free to play status, will then entice players of that game to purchase in-game add-ons or exclusive offers. Without proper monitoring or education about the financial weight and potential harms of these transactions, your child could drain your bank account through these games with you being none the wiser.

Lead by Example

Children often model their behavior after their parents, so set a good example when it comes to internet safety. Be mindful of your own online habits, such as avoiding oversharing on social media or responding to unknown messages. By demonstrating healthy online behavior, you’re helping your child develop responsible digital habits that will serve them well in the future.

Keep Learning and Adapting

The internet is constantly evolving, and new risks and challenges can arise at any time. Stay informed about the latest trends in technology and online safety, and regularly check for updates to the apps and devices your child uses. As your child grows, their internet use will change, and so should your approach to keeping them safe.

By maintaining open communication, setting clear guidelines, and using the right tools, you can help ensure that your child enjoys the internet safely and responsibly. The online world can be a powerful resource for education and entertainment, but it’s up to you to guide your child through it with caution and care.

With these strategies in place, you can feel more confident about your child’s online safety while empowering them to make smart choices in the digital age.