Teach Your Child Safe Browsing Techniques | Woombie

These days, children are accessing the internet in ever-increasing numbers. 80% of parents of children between ages 5 and 11 report that their child uses a computer or tablet. Kids and teens spend an estimated 44.5 hours weekly using digital media of some type. Nearly a quarter of kids and teens report a belief that they are addicted to video games. Clearly, there is a need for parents to work with their children to establish procedures and rules for safe internet usage in this age of increased screen time. By following these guidelines, parents can help their kids to navigate the internet safely.

Have Honest Conversations

With the increased use of hybrid cloud computing in today's technologically advanced society, there are increased opportunities for hidden internet dangers. Talk with your child frankly and openly about these hazards, which can include malware, online scams, sexual predators, and websites that are inappropriate or dangerous. In addition, opportunities for cyberbullying increase when children are involved in social media, so discussions about responsible usage are important once your child has reached at least the age of 13, which is the age that is legally required for opening a social media account. Open conversations are important to ensure that your kids are comfortable talking with you about things they may encounter online that might make them uncomfortable. 

Establish Rules for Internet Use

You should create clear and definitive rules for accessing the internet and ensure your child understands the "why" behind the rules. Explaining the hazards that you are protecting them from is important to help children realize that there are potential risks out there. Rules should focus on protecting your child's personal information, online privacy, and safety. Children should never reveal personal information via the internet, such as name, address, social security number, birthday, or phone number. Children should avoid opening emails from people they don't know and should be instructed to avoid contact with strangers online. Be sure your child knows never to share their photo online and not to respond to any hurtful or bullying messages. They should never agree to meet someone in person that they have met online and should report anything that makes them uncomfortable to you or another trusted adult.

Monitor Computer Usage

There are physical measures you can take to ensure your child is being safe with computer usage. Require your child to use the computer in a supervised area of the home. Even if your child feels it's invasive, you should know your child's passwords, check their browser history, and know the devices or computers they are using so those can be checked as well. Implement security features through purchased software or integrated tools on the hardware of your phone, computer, or tablet. Filters can be used to restrict the internet sites your child can visit online so that inappropriate content is weeded out. Parental control apps can be purchased for $10-$30 to restrict your child's app usage, track their cellphone browsing history, and prevent unauthorized password changes. Check with your wireless provider for programs that shut off internet access to your child's device at a specified time in order to prevent unsupervised use.

Monitor Your Child's Behavior

Just as you should keep a close eye on the actual computer usage, you should also be watchful of your child's behavior. Signs of cyberbullying or targeting by an online predator may become evident through changes in behavior. Watch for sleep changes, stress, declining grades, loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts, withdrawal from friends or family, changes in social behavior, and avoidance of their phone or internet access.

The internet can be a valuable tool when used properly. Be sure to communicate openly with your child and set appropriate rules to ensure safe and productive internet usage for school and entertainment.