Are Your Kids Online?

We live in a digital age with many children online. Kids do much fun and helpful thing online. Playing video games, learning via an app, streaming cartoons and other kids focused content are part of the activities kids do online. However, it is important that parents and other adults tasked with caring for a child ensure that they are safe online. Hence, we have come up with a list of 5 simple things you can do to keep your kids safe online.

1. Make your own family or institution internet rules that kids should follow.

Here, adults who care for kids should clarify what kids can do and can’t do on the internet. For example, communicate to kids that they can use the internet for educational purpose like doing homework. Set restriction on sites or contents that they can access based on international content rating standard and other related standards. You can work with you ISP to implement restriction on your entire network.

2. Internet should be accessed from a location or device that can be easily monitored.

If it is possible, let kids access the internet from a desktop that is located in the living-room or some common area where an adult can guide them. This will help with preventing kids from accessing harmful content.

3. Speak with Kids about the Dangers Online

Let kids know that just as the internet is a place with many fun and helpful resources, there are also harmful content and malicious users on the internet. Encourage them to avoid wondering off on the internet and to avoid communication with strangers online.

4. Teach Kids to never share personal details online

Kids should use screen names (nicknames) online. Caution them to never share personal details like home address, their current location, mobile number or full name anywhere on the internet. If they need to sign-up for a new platform, parents should assist with that.

5. Last but not the least, Kids should never agree to meet online friends in a physical location.

Warn your kids about the danger of meeting strangers from the internet offline. If they must do so, they should seek your approval first and have you watch them.

Other tips include cautioning your children to never trade pictures, videos or other media of themselves with anyone online or offline. In addition to that, kids should not respond to threatening messages or emails. You can learn more by clicking on this link.

Source - https://safeonline.com.ng/blog/2021/05/27/childrens-day-2021-top-5-tips-for-kids-online/