Children today are growing up in a world far different from the one in which their parents were raised. Between the Internet, gaming systems, and cell phones, today’s kids are nearly always connected to something digital. And, because it’s developing so fast, it’s hard for parents to stay on top of the technology—and even harder to figure out how to help their kids make good decisions when it comes to these things.
Here are a few basic tips to help get you started:
Communication – let your children know they can approach you with any questions or concerns they have about this subject. This should include:
-
- Direct messages asking for personal information
- Download prompts
- Warnings or threats
- Messages with typos or strange grammar
- Offers that seem too good to be true
Education – teach them about cyber bullying, child predators, phishing, etc., and how to identify the signs of each. The Department of Homeland Security provides “Resources & Downloads” for children and parents regarding internet safety at iGuardians™: Combating Child Predators | ICE
Parental Tasks –
-
- Keep devices in an open area where accountability is easy.
- Set limits on the amount of time children can access the device.
- Use parental controls on the device to control app or site access. The best free parental control software 2021 | TechRadar contains suggested tools.
The federal government's cyber division, CISA, published a presentation which contains great information with scenarios that parents can review with their children in a group setting that will promote good conversation regarding internet safety. PowerPoint Presentation (cisa.gov)