How to Make Online Safer for Your Child?

Our era of digitalization witnesses children using gadgets since birth, and today "no computer" methods no longer work in every case. Nowadays, parents should think more about how to make online safer, rather than how to limit their child's access to the Internet. That's what we're going to talk about.

What Online Safety Measures Can Be Taken?

Total ban of popular networks and applications for a kid may backfire. Today's children are much more technologically savvy than their parents, so restrictions will only increase interest and undermine trust. It is much more effective to research popular platforms and suggest that your child should use those which meet the safety criteria for minors.

Age Restrictions

Age-restricted apps and social networks are designed according to a child's development. This eliminates the possibility of a child being exposed to age-inappropriate content.

Content and Filters

Some apps or social networks have filters that allow you to customize the type of content that is displayed. This helps to exclude unwanted materials, such as those containing obscene language or violence.

Data Privacy

Read the terms and conditions carefully and make sure the app keeps your personal information safe and does not share it with any third parties.

Parental Controls

Almost all modern devices and browsers offer parental controls. You can restrict access to certain platforms, buy or download games or apps, and even track how much time your child spends online. Be careful, it's easy to overdo it with control, and a child's trust is a fragile thing.

Privacy Settings

Teach your kids how to use privacy settings to limit the availability of their data to outsiders.

Basic Digital Literacy

Explain to your child what types of online scams there are and teach them to independently assess the risks. Discuss why it is important to avoid communicating with strangers and the consequences that such communication may have. Encourage them to share any suspicious situations with you so that you can help resolve them.

Time Limits

Bans don't work, but pre-agreed rules do. Discuss with your child as equals how much time they can spend online or on a particular platform, and explain why it's best. Don't forget to set a positive example - you can limit your own time too! Spend time online together. Take an interest in your children's online hobbies. Ask about their favorite characters or activities they participate in. Find out about popular apps and platforms. Participate in online activities with your kids to understand how they use applications and who they interact with.

How to Protect Yourself from Cyberbullying?

There are few rules here, as there is no 100% protection against bullying. The one is to be on guard so that you can spot alarming signs as early as possible.

Monitor Activities. Regularly check your children's social media activity to identify potential bullying or cyberbullying.
Open Communication. Maintain an open dialogue with children so they feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
Raise Awareness. Talk to your children about cyberbullying and its consequences. Let them know that bullying is a terrible thing and that anyone can be a victim. Explain that bullying should never be encouraged, but that it can be stopped.
Teach Self-Defense. Talk about how to stand up to the aggressor. Explain that bullying is always the bully's fault, not the victim's. Reassure your child that you will always be on their side and ready to help.

The Internet can be a dangerous place, but so can the real world. At the same time, the Internet offers numerous opportunities for a child's fulfilment, learning and development. Don't refuse them. Use simple guidelines, open dialog, support children's hobbies, and then you will be able to create a safe environment for exploring the digital world.