During the holiday break, children might spend more time online than usual. Given the increasing concerns about online predators and cyberbullying, it’s crucial to ensure kids’ safety online. Here are some helpful tips:
Talk with Your Kids
Educate them on safe online practices, such as:
- Never reveal personal information like address, age, or phone number.
- Use screen names instead of full names.
- Keep passwords confidential and never share them.
- Never agree to meet someone they’ve met online in person.
- For threatening or hurtful messages, they should stop, block, and tell a parent or guardian.
- For older kids posting on social media, discuss the permanency and shareability of their posts.
Implement Controls
Manage your child’s online experience through:
- Keeping device use confined to common areas.
- Installing child-safe browsers.
- Setting privacy settings to the highest level.
- Covering webcams when not in use.
- Installing parental controls to block certain sites and restrict personal information from being sent.
- “Following” them on social media to monitor their online activity.
Watch for Warning Signs
Be vigilant for signs that might indicate your child is being targeted by an online predator, such as:
- Spending unusually long hours online, especially at night.
- Quickly turning off their device when you enter the room.
- Withdrawing from family or being secretive about their online activities.
By being proactive and maintaining open communication, you can help ensure your children’s safety online.