As your child continues to grow, they’re likely spending an increasing amount of time online.
While there are many positive aspects to being connected online, such as staying in touch with friends and family, pursuing interests, and being part of communities, it’s important to acknowledge that the online world isn’t always a safe or entirely positive environment for children.
Here are some steps you can take to help your child make the most of the internet and digital technologies, while also safeguarding them from potential harm:
1. Establish clear guidelines
- Engage in open conversations with your children about who they communicate with online, the methods they use, and who can view their online posts and activities.
- Explain that everything they share online leaves a digital trace about them.
- Encourage them to be mindful of their online presence to ensure they leave a positive “digital footprint.”
- Ensure they understand that discriminatory or inappropriate interactions are never acceptable.
- If your child encounters anything online that makes them feel upset, uneasy, or fearful, encourage them to promptly inform you or a trusted adult.
- Collaborate with your child to establish guidelines for how, when, and where they use their devices.
2. Use technology for their protection
- Ensure that your child’s device is consistently updated with the latest software, and verify that privacy settings are enabled and adjusted to limit data collection. This way, you can control what information is visible to others.
- Teach your child the importance of safeguarding personal information.
- Cover webcams when they’re not in use, especially for younger children. Parental controls and safe search features can also be valuable tools.
- Exercise caution when using free online resources, including educational platforms.
3. Engage in online activities together
- Create opportunities for your child to engage in safe and positive online interactions with friends, family, and yourself. These connections provide a chance for you to demonstrate kindness and empathy in virtual exchanges.
- Guide your child in discerning and avoiding misinformation, as well as content that may not be suitable for their age or could cause distress.
- Children may encounter advertisements that promote unhealthy products, reinforce gender stereotypes, or feature content not appropriate for their age. Help them identify online ads and use these moments to discuss and understand the negative messaging they may come across.
- Collaborate with your child in identifying age-appropriate apps, games, and other forms of online entertainment.
4. Demonstrate healthy online behavior
- Be mindful of what you share about your child online, including their photos and videos.
- Encourage your child to spread kindness online and support friends and family by sending positive messages or emojis.
- If your child participates in online classes, remind them to be considerate of others and to be mindful of what is visible on camera to maintain privacy.
- Pay attention if your child appears to be distressed or secretive about their online activities.
- Familiarize yourself with your child’s school’s policies regarding digital learning.
5. Allow them to enjoy and showcase their individuality
- Engaging with the online world can provide your children with a platform to express themselves creatively and advocate for causes that resonate with them.
- Encourage your child to utilize online resources that promote physical activity, such as videos and video games that involve movement.
- Maintain a balance between online activities and offline pursuits to ensure a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle for your child.
