Does Your Child Overshare Personal Details? Tips for Teaching Them Safe Boundaries Online and Offline.

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Oct 16, 10:20 am

Photo: (Photo : Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash)

The digital age has brought with it a myriad of benefits, from instant communication to a wealth of information at our fingertips. However, as parents, one concerning byproduct is our children's tendency to overshare personal details.

Whether it's through social media, chat rooms, or even face-to-face with strangers, our kids often lack understanding of the potential consequences of oversharing. Teaching them the significance of safe boundaries is crucial to ensuring their security and well-being. Here are some pointers to help guide them.

1. Start with a Conversation

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, initiate an open conversation about privacy. Ask your child what they understand by the term "personal information." Explain why some things are okay to share, like their favorite color, while others, like their home address or school name, should remain private.

2. Lead by example: Your child observes your actions. If you are cautious and set boundaries about sharing personal details, they will likely emulate that. On the flip side, if you are regularly posting about every event in your family's life on social media, your child might see that as the norm.

3. Set Up Privacy Settings: If your child uses social media or plays online games, ensure that their profiles are set to the strictest privacy settings. Regularly check and update these, as platforms frequently change their default settings. Teach them the importance of not accepting friends or following requests from strangers.

4. Role-play scenarios: Use pretend scenarios to guide them on what's appropriate to share. For instance, you could act out a situation where someone they don't know asks them about their school. Teach them suitable responses and why it's essential not to divulge such information.

5. Teach Them the "Stranger Danger" Principle Online: Just as we teach our kids not to talk to or accept things from strangers offline, the same rule applies online. They should never engage in private chats with people they haven't met in real life without parental supervision.

6. The "Would You Say It Loud?" Test

A useful tool for older children is the "Would you say it loud?" test. Ask them to consider whether they would feel comfortable shouting out the information they're about to share in a crowded place. If not, it's probably not suitable for online sharing either.

7. Understand the Consequences: It's essential for kids to grasp why oversharing is dangerous. Discuss the potential consequences, such as identity theft, cyberbullying, or even real-world threats. Use age-appropriate language and ensure they understand without instilling undue fear.

8. Encourage open communication: Ensure your child knows they can always come to you with their concerns. If they feel they've overshared or are being approached by strangers online, they should be confident in seeking your guidance without fear of punishment.

9. Stay Updated and Educated: As the digital landscape evolves, new platforms and trends emerge. Stay informed about the latest social media apps or games your child might be using. By understanding these platforms, you can better guide your child on how to use them safely.

10. Reinforce Offline Boundaries: While the online world poses its own unique set of challenges, the offline world isn't without risks. Teach your child not to share personal details like their phone number, address, or school with strangers they might meet. Explain the importance of trusting their gut feeling-if something feels off, they should always prioritize their safety.

In conclusion, in a world bursting with connectivity and the allure of sharing, teaching our children the importance of privacy is paramount. With patience, understanding, and open communication, we can guide them towards safer habits both online and offline.