Parenting is a full-time job, made even more difficult by the looming threat of dangers lurking online.
Most children have internet access, so ensuring their safety while enjoying these services can be a tricky job for any parent.
So today, we’ll take a look at a handful of ways in which a parent can cultivate a safer online experience for their kids.
Let’s dive right in…
Youth cyber safety: 4 helpful tips for parents
#1. Create an open dialogue
First and foremost, your child’s online safety relies on trust and open communication. Foster a judgment-free zone in which your kids can be honest about their online activities.
This way you can better understand what it is your children do online, but also how it can be made safer. During these conversations, any mistakes can be turned into vital teaching points in a comfortable environment.
#2. Teach basic cyber hygiene
Regardless of age, all online users should maintain basic cyber hygiene, but especially children. These principles outline simple methods by which users can browse and play safely online:
- Strong password security: Pick hard-to-guess passwords and keep them private.
- Cyber crime awareness: Learn about the most common scams and cyber attacks you could encounter
- Cybersecurity software: Employ powerful antivirus and VPN software — learn more information about Surfshark VPN here.
- Update regularly: Kids suck at downloading updates. Make sure they’re always updating their apps and devices.
#3. Impress the importance of data privacy
Source: sofatutor
These days, online stranger danger is becoming just as important as if they’re walking home from school. Not all strangers on the internet will have your kid’s best interests in mind.
For this reason, it’s incredibly important to teach your children about complete data privacy. Any kind of personal information can be used in nefarious ways and therefore, shouldn’t be shared with anyone online.
#4. Audit their privacy settings
Many of the safety measures you can employ for your kids and teens can be set up in their app settings. At the very least, audit the following settings to make their online experiences a bit safer:
- App permissions: Review which apps can access your kid’s data, such as contacts, camera roll, and microphone.
- Secure browsers: Install browsers that safeguard user data and have “safe search” capabilities.
- Location tracking: Many apps track your device location while being used. You can disable this feature altogether.
- Block ads and cookies: Cookies track your child’s preferences to target them with advertising. Blocking both can keep them safe.
Wrapping up…
In today’s interconnected world, it’s impossible to shield your children from all online dangers, yet the risk can be greatly reduced.
Parents nowadays have the responsibility to not only educate their children on safe online practices but also to embrace them as their own.
In partnership with Mile High Mamas; Photos: Thomas Park
Author: Mile High Mamas
