As a parent, you do everything you can to keep your child safe from physical harm. But how much do you do to safeguard them from online threats?
Legislation like The Online Safety Bill is making the internet safer for children. But many feel it doesn’t go far enough.
So, what can you do to protect them? Here are five ways to keep your child safe online.
1. Stay Informed
You can’t shield your child if you don’t know about the different threats on the internet. Children often know more about new technology than adults, meaning they could discover harmful material you don’t even know exists. Take time to educate yourself on the many dangers online. This enables you to prepare your child and take steps to protect them.
2. Encourage Communication
Have regular conversations with your child. This can help you teach them about the risks they might encounter. It can also help you monitor their online behaviour. Try to listen to their perspective. Avoid pushing too hard, overreacting, or dismissing what they have to say so they feel comfortable speaking to you when they have concerns.
3. Set Ground Rules
Work with your child to establish guidelines on how they should use the internet. These rules should include when and where they can use their devices, as well as what types of apps or websites they’re allowed to access. This doesn’t have to be prescriptive. You can include your child in the decision-making process. The most important thing is to agree on what’s acceptable as a family and stick to it.
4. Use Technology
There are several technologies you can use to provide your child with a safer experience. Set up parental controls to protect your child from finding inappropriate content. Parental controls are available on most Wi-Fi networks, internet-connected devices, and search engines.
Third parties can discover sensitive information from your internet traffic. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can guard against this. These tools aren’t only for computers and phones – you can even get a VPN for your Amazon Fire Stick. Using a VPN will prevent bad actors from snooping on your child’s activity as it hides your IP address and encrypts the data you send or receive. This keeps the whole family’s data safe and reduces the exposure of any sensitive information.
5. Track Time Online
You must track the amount of time your child is spending online. More time spent on the internet means more chances to encounter danger. Spending extended periods on devices can also hurt your child’s health. According to a survey conducted by the RCPCH, 35% of children said screen time harmed their mental health, and 88% had worse sleep.
Bolster Your Online Defences Today
The internet can be a dangerous place for kids, so it’s crucial you take proactive measures to keep them safe. It’s an ongoing process that requires research, preparation, and open communication. Start implementing these tips to protect your child from the many threats they face.
