Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe Online

In 2021, it's hard to imagine anyone living their life entirely offline. And although some people who grew up without the internet probably live that way, recent generations and the current generation have a strong online presence. And while the internet makes the world smaller and brings all the information and entertainment you could ever need to your fingertips, it can also bring problems right to your own living room.

Given the fact that your children are online and will continue to be so throughout their lives, it's an important part of parenting to teach them how to do so safely. Luckily, most places on the internet and computers themselves offer tools to help parents keep their children safe while surfing the internet.

Talk About Online Safety

Although sites and computers have safety settings and policies in place like the Nextdoor racism & discrimination prevention program, you need to talk with them before you let your child online. While those programs are essential and effective, they are not foolproof. Nothing is more important than giving your child age-appropriate information to keep them safe and secure on the internet.

Talk with them about how essential it is that they don't share any personal information online and stay out of chat rooms without your personal monitoring and permission. Make it clear that the internet is full of people they don't know, and they are to apply the same safety precautions they would in a face-to-face setting with strangers. Be sure they are aware of personal boundaries and to let you know if they ever feel uncomfortable online.

Make it clear that it's never okay to meet someone in real life that they met online because people can easily fake online personas. If anyone asks to meet them in person, tell them they need to let you know right away.

Keep a Watchful Eye

Even though you talk with your child about the dangers of the internet, that's not enough to keep them safe. Just like you do when they walk out of your sight, you need to know where they are at all times and who they're talking to. Utilize the privacy settings and parental controls on your computer, any sites they frequent, and check in on them often. Make sure the safety precautions you put in place are doing what you want them to do.

Check what they're posting online to make sure it's appropriate, in addition to checking their profiles, so you're aware of the information they're sharing online. Keep in mind that privacy settings and parental controls can change, as can profiles and people, so checking on them is not a one-and-done situation.

Stay Vigilant: Once Is Not Enough

So, you had your talks, you check in with your child regularly, and over time you may feel comfortable and get a bit lax on parental controls. But the online world is ever-changing, and all it takes is contact with one shady person to expose your child to danger. Staying on top of online safety measures is something you need to constantly monitor and talk to your child about.

Ask them open-ended questions to keep them talking, rather than asking them yes or no questions which will give you little information. You want the conversation to flow so you can find out what's really going on in their online world.

Keep Talking

The number one thing to keep in mind while keeping your children safe online, whether it's on a gaming app, social media, or the internet at large, is to keep a watchful eye and the communication lines open between you and your child. This is one area where you can never be too careful.