Five recommendations for guiding kids safely around the internet

As children spend more time online, it’s important to educate them on how to navigate the internet safely. Here are five tips to help children stay safe while using the internet:

1. Teach them about online strangers

Children should know that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are, and they should be wary of talking to strangers online. They should be encouraged to tell a parent or trusted adult if someone they don’t know contacts them online. This will help children understand that there are many people out there who may not have their best interests at heart and that they should be cautious about who they interact with online.

2. Encourage them to be smart about sharing personal information

Children should be taught not to share personal information, such as their name, address, phone number, or school name, with anyone online. Personal information is valuable to many people for different reasons, and it’s important to keep it private. By teaching children to be smart about what they share online, you can help them avoid falling victim to identity theft or online scams.

3. Set rules and boundaries

Establish clear rules and boundaries for internet use, such as the types of websites they are allowed to visit and the amount of time they are allowed to spend online. This will help children understand the importance of responsible internet use and the potential risks of spending too much time online.

4. Use parental controls

Utilize parental control software or the built-in controls on your child’s device to filter out inappropriate content and monitor their online activity. This will help parents and caregivers to keep an eye on what their children are doing online and ensure that they’re not being exposed to any harmful content.

5. Have open and ongoing conversations

Keep the lines of communication open with your child and regularly discuss online safety, including the potential risks and how to avoid them. This will help children to understand that internet safety is an ongoing conversation and that they should always be aware of the risks associated with being online. It will also help parents and caregivers stay informed about what their children are doing online and any potential problems they may encounter.