The internet is being used more than ever before and, as our kids are growing up, it’s time to speak to them about internet safety. There is a lot of inappropriate content available online and children can also meet the wrong kind of people. So, we’ll give you a friendly and practical approach to internet safety tips for kids, focusing on aspects they can relate to and act on to keep them safe. By the end of this text, you should have a number of actionable points that will help your child spend time online safely, and identify and avoid any threats.
The top online threats for children and teens
Recognizing these threats can empower parents and educators to install necessary protective measures for young users. Here are the main threats they could face:
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the spreading of harassing or threatening messages, rumors, or embarrassing images about someone through electronic communication devices repeatedly. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, 30% of teens reported being bullied online. Because cyberbullying can cause emotional suffering, the mental health of those affected and their self-esteem may be diminished.
Strangers
Children who communicate with strangers online are at risk. Some predators pretend to be a peer and try to collect personal information or make plans to meet. Teach children to never share personal information and always report suspicious behavior. From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received reports of more than 13,000 instances of online financial sextortion of minors. Monitor your child’s online activity and use parental controls to limit contact with potential predators.
Inappropriate content
Exposure to adult content, including pornography and other inappropriate material is another major concern. One report from Forbes estimated that more than half of tweens (kids aged 10 to 12) have encountered inappropriate material online. Filters and monitoring features can greatly reduce the risk of exposure and should be used for that reason. Have a conversation about the possibility that they could encounter something inappropriate, and talk about the best way to respond. No filter is foolproof, so the reality is that your child might still come across something upsetting. That’s where the discussion about coming to an adult for help comes back into play. This can leave your child feeling better equipped to handle any distressing encounters online.
Tips on how to talk to your child about Internet safety
It’s important to have open conversations about internet safety. Here are some helpful tips for having this conversation with your child:
Begin by highlighting the positives of the internet
For example, researching topics for school, staying in touch with friends and learning about new hobbies. Starting with its upsides helps to reassure kids and put them in a receptive state for the discussion. You could point out ways in which the internet has helped them. Perhaps they used it for researching a school paper, or to connect with a relative living halfway across the world. Framing the conversation in terms of what they’ve gained from using the internet will help children better grasp why it’s important to stay safe.
Make the conversation feel natural
Integrate conversations about internet safety into ordinary discourse and make it an ‘everyday thing’. Talk about the things they enjoy doing online, and allow them to share back openly. A laid-back vibe builds trust and makes you more likely to be heard and listened to. For instance, when watching a movie that has a tech bent to it, use it as an opportunity to talk about what’s real and safe. Let them know it’s you offering help so that they can better handle themselves online and not you trying to ‘monitor’ what they do.
Establish rules and set boundaries
Establishing firm boundaries about what sites are acceptable and how long they may spend online helps to keep their internet use appropriate. Make the reasons for these boundaries explicit and, where possible, co-create rules with your child so that she knows and remembers the boundaries. Together, you can create a set of rules or a contract. Children are more likely to follow our rules when we explain why. Tell them what they can and cannot do online and why. These boundaries are there for their well-being.
Educate them about privacy
Let them know the importance of keeping their personal information private. They should never put their full name, home address, phone number, or school name online, and if someone asks them for personal information or photos, they should ask you first, even if it is someone they think they know. You might want to provide a real-life example of someone they can relate to, or a news story about a dangerous situation someone faced because they gave away personal information online.
Stay current with social media features
Learn the sites your child visits. Become familiar with social media, gaming, and other sites’ privacy settings and safety features, so that you can stay abreast of the risks and trouble spots of various places as they emerge, and gain familiarity with the features available to minimize those risks. Consider subscribing to newsletters or blogs by internet-safety experts, so you receive good information as new features develop and new threats arise on various sites. Share what you learn with your child, and make sure to customize their account settings.
Discover apps and sites together
Seek out new apps and websites with your child. Decide which ones you’re comfortable with, and which ones you will explore together. Install WOT which has a Safe Browsing feature to filter out some sites and links that it marks as suspicious.
Let them show you what they’re looking at, and share what interests you, too. Ask questions and guide them toward safer choices. Make it a shared activity and talk about why certain choices make you more comfortable. When you discover new online spaces together, you’re creating a team approach to staying safe online. You’re showing your child you’re interested in their online world, not just monitoring it.
Set a positive example
Set a good example by modeling healthy online habits they can copy. If your child sees you demonstrating how to use the internet responsibly, they will have a stronger understanding of what you’re asking of them and be more likely to practice what you preach. Show them how you use safety settings, why you use privacy settings, and how you create boundaries with sites.
Let’s create a safe internet for kids
Keeping the internet a safe place for them is a never-ending job. Start by implementing any of the above tips for internet safety, and use WOT to secure your online experience. Give them the skills and tools to not just enjoy all the benefits of the web, but to avoid its dark sides. And keep the dialogue about their online activities going so they stay prepared, aware, and educated about the best ways to stay safe online.
FAQs
How can I recognize if a website is secure for my child?
Check for a secure connection (https, as opposed to http), and look for reviews or ratings about the site. Safe sites often have security certifications that come with a visible seal, indicating verified standards of safety.
What steps should I take if my child encounters inappropriate content?
Encourage your child to tell you if they discover any inappropriate content. Tell them that it was not their fault in any way, and then block or report it, and if possible, change parental controls so that it does not occur again in the future. With help, patience, and a willingness to adjust parental controls to prevent such occurrences, your child’s life will become safer.
How can I limit my child’s internet usage?
Use parental controls on your child’s gadgets and create usage guidelines. Installing apps that monitor and restrict screen time may also be a good idea. Set aside times to be on the internet, but schedule it around studying or monitor time so that there is an appropriate interval.
Are there specific platforms for child-friendly internet use?
Yes, there are apps and sites like Kiddle or YouTube Kids that are specifically designed for children and offer a more child-friendly and safe online experience. Similarly to the regular ones, they use specific algorithms and offer a pre-filtered browsing experience.
How should I address cyberbullying with my child?
Tell them what cyberbullying is and how it makes people feel. Urge them to report both those who bully or are being bullied and reassure them they won’t be in trouble for speaking up. Give them coping mechanisms for dealing with bullies and emphasize that being kind always helps.