Summary
- Talk to your kids about online safety and behavior.
- Use parental controls and other restrictions.
- Check the age ratings and content warnings of video games.
Parenting has never been easy. In this digital age, it may be harder than ever. Social media, Google, YouTube, smartphones, and apps have put the world at kids’ fingertips. Information on just about any subject matter can be accessed quickly and easily. It’s not just text, either. It is images, videos, live-streaming, and all other forms of digital media.
All this can be a bit overwhelming for some parents. By the time they have one form of technology figured out, their kids are on to the next one. Do not be discouraged though. There are a number of simple steps parents can take to make online use safer for kids.
Communicate
The first step is to talk with your kids about the things they do online. Ask them about the latest social media trends. Find out what is popular among their friends. Ask your kids to show you some of their favorite posts or pictures.
You can also use this time to share your thoughts about responsible online behavior. Encourage your kids to be polite and to always respect the opinions of others. Make sure they understand that once they post something it can never be completely taken back. Also explain that people are not always who they pretend to be online.
Restrictions
If your child is young, you may want to put some restrictions on his online access. This may include limiting when and for how long he can be online. It can also apply to what websites or content he can view. Your computer or device may already have these tools available. Check your settings and adjust them to the level of control you feel is needed.
You can also purchase filtering and blocking software, or in some cases download it for free. In addition, there are special browsers, search engines, and cell phones designed just for kids. You can also prevent online access on your own smartphone by switching to “airplane mode.”
Older kids will probably know how to bypass parental controls. They can also access the internet on their own devices or on one of their friend’s. With older kids the most important thing is to help them to make good choices.
Encourage them to think twice about what they share online. This includes personal and financial information, as well as passwords. It also includes any questionable texts or photos. Make sure they realize that even private messages or images can be captured and shared with others. Also remind them to turn off location settings whenever they are not using GPS. If they are of driving age, stress that they should never text and drive.
Apps
Mobile apps can enhance your child’s enjoyment of their smartphone. Kids can stream music, TV shows, and movies. They can also play games and interact online. The best part is that many of these apps are free.
Apps do have their downsides though. Free apps will often have ads. These ads can be annoying but may also be inappropriate for your child. All apps collect some sort of personal data on your child. They may or may not ask permission and they may or may not share that data. Check the settings to see if you can opt out or limit what data is shared. Also make sure your child cannot buy apps or make purchases within apps without your permission.
Games
Video games can be a lot of fun. They can also be a big waste of time. Since many games are highly addictive, your children may not know when to quit. This means she may not be doing other things that she should be doing, like homework, chores, or sleeping. Set limits on your kids’ game time. Encourage older kids to take short breaks to stretch or to go outside.
Make sure your child is playing games suitable for his age group. Check the age ratings and content warnings. Check the parental controls on your game system to see if you can restrict the type of games played.
No matter what her age, warn your child about the dangers of online gaming. These cautions include:
- Not using your real name, age, location, photos, or other personal info
- Not using a webcam or voice chat
- Not downloading or uploading anything with other players
- Not flirting with other players
- Never agreeing to meet offline with someone she does not know
- Ignoring, blocking, and/or reporting questionable conduct
Summary
- Talk to your kids about online safety and behavior.
- Use parental controls and other restrictions.
- Check the age ratings and content warnings of video games.
Parenting has never been easy. In this digital age, it may be harder than ever. Social media, Google, YouTube, smartphones, and apps have put the world at kids’ fingertips. Information on just about any subject matter can be accessed quickly and easily. It’s not just text, either. It is images, videos, live-streaming, and all other forms of digital media.
All this can be a bit overwhelming for some parents. By the time they have one form of technology figured out, their kids are on to the next one. Do not be discouraged though. There are a number of simple steps parents can take to make online use safer for kids.
Communicate
The first step is to talk with your kids about the things they do online. Ask them about the latest social media trends. Find out what is popular among their friends. Ask your kids to show you some of their favorite posts or pictures.
You can also use this time to share your thoughts about responsible online behavior. Encourage your kids to be polite and to always respect the opinions of others. Make sure they understand that once they post something it can never be completely taken back. Also explain that people are not always who they pretend to be online.
Restrictions
If your child is young, you may want to put some restrictions on his online access. This may include limiting when and for how long he can be online. It can also apply to what websites or content he can view. Your computer or device may already have these tools available. Check your settings and adjust them to the level of control you feel is needed.
You can also purchase filtering and blocking software, or in some cases download it for free. In addition, there are special browsers, search engines, and cell phones designed just for kids. You can also prevent online access on your own smartphone by switching to “airplane mode.”
Older kids will probably know how to bypass parental controls. They can also access the internet on their own devices or on one of their friend’s. With older kids the most important thing is to help them to make good choices.
Encourage them to think twice about what they share online. This includes personal and financial information, as well as passwords. It also includes any questionable texts or photos. Make sure they realize that even private messages or images can be captured and shared with others. Also remind them to turn off location settings whenever they are not using GPS. If they are of driving age, stress that they should never text and drive.
Apps
Mobile apps can enhance your child’s enjoyment of their smartphone. Kids can stream music, TV shows, and movies. They can also play games and interact online. The best part is that many of these apps are free.
Apps do have their downsides though. Free apps will often have ads. These ads can be annoying but may also be inappropriate for your child. All apps collect some sort of personal data on your child. They may or may not ask permission and they may or may not share that data. Check the settings to see if you can opt out or limit what data is shared. Also make sure your child cannot buy apps or make purchases within apps without your permission.
Games
Video games can be a lot of fun. They can also be a big waste of time. Since many games are highly addictive, your children may not know when to quit. This means she may not be doing other things that she should be doing, like homework, chores, or sleeping. Set limits on your kids’ game time. Encourage older kids to take short breaks to stretch or to go outside.
Make sure your child is playing games suitable for his age group. Check the age ratings and content warnings. Check the parental controls on your game system to see if you can restrict the type of games played.
No matter what her age, warn your child about the dangers of online gaming. These cautions include:
- Not using your real name, age, location, photos, or other personal info
- Not using a webcam or voice chat
- Not downloading or uploading anything with other players
- Not flirting with other players
- Never agreeing to meet offline with someone she does not know
- Ignoring, blocking, and/or reporting questionable conduct
Summary
- Talk to your kids about online safety and behavior.
- Use parental controls and other restrictions.
- Check the age ratings and content warnings of video games.
Parenting has never been easy. In this digital age, it may be harder than ever. Social media, Google, YouTube, smartphones, and apps have put the world at kids’ fingertips. Information on just about any subject matter can be accessed quickly and easily. It’s not just text, either. It is images, videos, live-streaming, and all other forms of digital media.
All this can be a bit overwhelming for some parents. By the time they have one form of technology figured out, their kids are on to the next one. Do not be discouraged though. There are a number of simple steps parents can take to make online use safer for kids.
Communicate
The first step is to talk with your kids about the things they do online. Ask them about the latest social media trends. Find out what is popular among their friends. Ask your kids to show you some of their favorite posts or pictures.
You can also use this time to share your thoughts about responsible online behavior. Encourage your kids to be polite and to always respect the opinions of others. Make sure they understand that once they post something it can never be completely taken back. Also explain that people are not always who they pretend to be online.
Restrictions
If your child is young, you may want to put some restrictions on his online access. This may include limiting when and for how long he can be online. It can also apply to what websites or content he can view. Your computer or device may already have these tools available. Check your settings and adjust them to the level of control you feel is needed.
You can also purchase filtering and blocking software, or in some cases download it for free. In addition, there are special browsers, search engines, and cell phones designed just for kids. You can also prevent online access on your own smartphone by switching to “airplane mode.”
Older kids will probably know how to bypass parental controls. They can also access the internet on their own devices or on one of their friend’s. With older kids the most important thing is to help them to make good choices.
Encourage them to think twice about what they share online. This includes personal and financial information, as well as passwords. It also includes any questionable texts or photos. Make sure they realize that even private messages or images can be captured and shared with others. Also remind them to turn off location settings whenever they are not using GPS. If they are of driving age, stress that they should never text and drive.
Apps
Mobile apps can enhance your child’s enjoyment of their smartphone. Kids can stream music, TV shows, and movies. They can also play games and interact online. The best part is that many of these apps are free.
Apps do have their downsides though. Free apps will often have ads. These ads can be annoying but may also be inappropriate for your child. All apps collect some sort of personal data on your child. They may or may not ask permission and they may or may not share that data. Check the settings to see if you can opt out or limit what data is shared. Also make sure your child cannot buy apps or make purchases within apps without your permission.
Games
Video games can be a lot of fun. They can also be a big waste of time. Since many games are highly addictive, your children may not know when to quit. This means she may not be doing other things that she should be doing, like homework, chores, or sleeping. Set limits on your kids’ game time. Encourage older kids to take short breaks to stretch or to go outside.
Make sure your child is playing games suitable for his age group. Check the age ratings and content warnings. Check the parental controls on your game system to see if you can restrict the type of games played.
No matter what her age, warn your child about the dangers of online gaming. These cautions include:
- Not using your real name, age, location, photos, or other personal info
- Not using a webcam or voice chat
- Not downloading or uploading anything with other players
- Not flirting with other players
- Never agreeing to meet offline with someone she does not know
- Ignoring, blocking, and/or reporting questionable conduct