How can we teach kids to be safer online? It’s often the single biggest burning question on every 21st century parent and teacher’s mind in a world of 24/7 wireless connectivity where virtually anything children could want or be searching for is just a single click or tap away. It’s not simply enough to research, purchase, and setup built-in parental controls on high-tech devices anymore. As we point out in new book The Modern Parent’s Guide to Facebook and Social Networks, we’ve also got to better prepare our family for life in a digital world – and give the insights and training they need to make better decisions as they explore the Internet, online universes, and other virtual spaces. Hoping to make technology a more uplifting and positive part of kids’ lives? The following guide can help you and your children get connected.
Discussion Topics:
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR FAMILY ABOUT ONLINE SAFETY
- What devices are we using to access the Internet?
- How and in what ways are we using this online access?
- What types of activities, sites and interactions do we like to engage with online?
- What websites and services do we frequent often and why?
- What are our house rules with regards to the use of high-tech devices and Internet connectivity?
- What punishments will be meted out should they be violated?
- What times are designated to be free of high-tech devices?
- What is our family’s password policy?
- Have we implemented parental controls and privacy restrictions?
- Will we be monitoring children’s online access? How so?
- What should we do if you we encounter questionable and/or inappropriate content or behavior online?
- Do we understand the capabilities of all high-tech devices present in our home?
- Do we know where to turn if we have questions about any technology service or product, or need the help of a qualified professional?
- Is screen time an inherent right or earned privilege? How much will be allowed daily?
- What areas of the home are designated for high-tech use?
- What are our rules for appropriate high-tech usage?
- Are we aware of the basic safety rules that must be observed when using technology?
- Do we know what it means to be responsible digital citizens?
- Have we as a family made a running commitment to educate ourselves about new technology trends, topics, products and services?
- Do we all feel comfortable turning to each other for help if we have any questions?
Activities:
Have your family check out the Internet Safety 101 quiz from Enough is Enough This 10 question test is designed to see how cyber savvy parents really are.
For the kids, SafeKids.com also provides a test designed to let kids show that they know what it takes to be safe online.
Formalize your agreement on what steps your family will take to ensure online safety. For example: Yahoo! offers a Family Online and Mobile Device Agreement which provides a checklist that teens and parents are asked to initial, promising to do abide by rules such as using privacy controls, alerting parents should pressing issues arise, and more.
Rules:
The Family Online Safety Institute (a favorite recommendation amongst online safety speakers) offers a Family Safe contract, a set of cyber do’s and don’ts for parents and kids alike, featuring a number of ground rules, such as the need to being honest with each other and parents agreeing not to overreact.
Common Sense Media also offers Rules of the Road for Kids, which provide helpful insights like assuming everyone is watching your every action, and the importance of always applying the golden rule.
NetSmartz’s website has a great set of pledges for both online and real-life situations, tailored for different age groups.
Gwenn O’Keefe offers a one-page discussion guide and pledge at Cybersafebook.com that provides agreements for kids, parents and the entire family as well.
Resources:
FOSI’s website also provides great tips for parents, such as getting involved and striking a proper balance in terms of real-world and high-tech use.
ConnectSafely.org additionally makes a number of tips on topics ranging from cyberbullying and sexting to password creation and video games available for ready access.
Marian Merritt of Norton suggests a number of great conversational questions in her family safety guide that are geared towards younger kids, such as asking them about the coolest and newest websites, or finding out if anything online has ever made them feel sad or uncomfortable. She also includes topics to discuss with older children as well.
Microsoft additionally offers an incredible amount of information, presentations and brochures that are meant to be shared with others, and can provide great discussion tools for parents and school administrators as well.
The Google Family Safety Channel features a number of easy-to-understand videos on YouTube all about keeping kids safe online.
Award-winning professional speaker Scott Steinberg is among today’s best-known trends experts and futurists, and the bestselling author of The Modern Parent’s Guide to Facebook and Social Networks. His website is www.AKeynoteSpeaker.com.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
