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Parents have to be extra diligent in protecting their children when they use the internet. Mischief is rising on the internet with each passing day, so parents must increase their protective endeavors. These are three practices that can help keep kids safe online:
Limiting Social Media Time
Social media sites give kids the ability to keep in touch with each other with the simple click of a mouse. However, problems can arise from the excessive use of such sites and involvement that’s just too deep. Addiction and comparative-based depression can occur in children who take social media too seriously. Parents can help to prevent that by limiting their social media usage time. Perhaps they can cut the daily usage time down to an hour or two. A weekend-only option is a viable solution, as well. The parent and child can discuss the matter and come up with a workable solution together.
Using Parental Controls
Parent controls are settings that may be available within a browser or inside of a special software program they download and use on the computer. They are excellent toolsets that will protect a young user on many levels. First, it can keep them safe from predator exposure because the parent can set the controls to block access to shady sites. Additionally, parent controls can prevent virus contraction by limiting the student’s web browsing experience. The parent can set the controls so that the user cannot visit certain sites or download any files. Many viruses come from downloading a corrupt file. Therefore, the parental controls can help a lot.
Recognizing Safe Websites
Parental controls are great, but they’re not the only way you can protect your child on the internet, and it shouldn’t be. With increasingly sneaky websites and softwares, even the best cybersecurity software fails occasionally. One way you can go a step further is by teaching your child how to tell the difference between a safe website and an unsafe website. For example, teach your child how to look for code signing, which is a stamp of authenticity from the manufacturer or website that proves this site or software safe and legitimate.
Talking With the Children About Cyberbullying
Sometimes parents can get through to their children just by having a conversation with them. Cyberbullying is a huge epidemic that affects many school-age children. Mothers and fathers can get a jump on the situation by addressing its possibility with the children. They don’t have to address it formally. They can have a casual conversation with their children about it. Parents should bring up the signs and symptoms of cyberbullying and a “best practices” list for how the child can avoid exposure to it. If the student continues to struggle with bullying at school, then it may be time for parents to go a different route with their child’s education. Online public school is an excellent alternative to traditional schooling since it provides greater flexibility and options.
The way to keep the little ones safe online is to take proactive protective steps. Parents should stay ahead of the game and not wait until these devastating things affect their children’s lives and strip them of some of their security. The entire household can stay healthy that way.
Need some further guidance in parenting? Talk to Tameka Anderson about how you can revolutionize your relationship with your kids and parent with confidence.
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