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6 Things to Teach Your Child about Online Safety

Online safety has become one of the most important topics for parents, and it’s simply because the world we live in is becoming more and more digital. There’s nothing wrong with it, as continuous technological advancements make our lives easier, even with parenting. However, these technological advancements also pose safety risks for children who are now just exploring the web. As a parent, we completely understand your concern, especially if your child is already in an age group where internet-use will be inevitable. 

Don’t worry, mom and dad, as we’re here to share the most important things you should teach your child about online safety immediately. This will serve as a foundation as your kid grows while using the internet. But first, let’s try to understand what online safety really is.

Teach Your Child about Online Safety

What Is Online Safety?

Online safety means teaching your kids what information is okay to share online, like their name, and what shouldn’t be shared, like their address or phone number. It’s also about helping them avoid things that can hurt their computer, like clicking on suspicious links. Online safety even includes helping your kids be kind to others online and how to handle situations where someone might be mean to them. By working together, you can make sure the internet is a fun and positive place for your child.

6 Important Things to Teach Your Child About Online Safety

Most households nowadays are connected to the internet. Regardless if you have satellite internet from HughesNet or fiber internet from Verizon, cyber criminals are always there ready to take advantage of your child’s innocence. Here are six things every parent must teach their children for their safety:

Stranger danger is also applicable online. 

Billions of people use the internet on a daily basis. A significant percentage of these users are those individuals looking for their next victims in social media platforms, gaming platforms where kids usually play, and others. You should let your kid understand that not everyone online is who they say they are, especially if they play online multiplayer games where they may communicate with other people.

Emphasize the importance of being cautious about interacting with strangers online, and avoiding meeting up with them in person. Even though they may act friendly to gain their trust, they should never give them personal information or consider meeting them up. 

Communication is very important. 

Your kid should be transparent with you. This also applies to your relationship in general, but when it comes to their online activities, you should always be in the loop. While they are still young, make them feel like they can tell you anything without being afraid that they might get scolded. Because if that happens, they will start hiding secrets from you, and that shouldn’t happen. 

Beware of clicking and downloading stuff.

As you know, one of the most common cyber criminals use are phishing scams. Of course, your child is one of the most vulnerable individuals who can easily fall for these scams. Take the time to explain why they shouldn’t click and download everything they see online, especially too-good-to-be-true-offers. 

For example, the screen shows “Metronet offers $1000 for the first 20 who clicks the screen!” Explain to your child that offers like this are almost always fake. No company would give away that much money for free, especially by clicking a random link. Let them know that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Cyberbullying is not okay. 

Bullying in all forms isn’t acceptable, and your child should know and understand that as early as they can. Remember, it always starts with the smallest things, so even if they didn’t mean to be hurtful with a message or a post, it can still have a big impact on someone else. They must know that words can hurt, even online, and if they are the one being bullied, they should not respond and let you know right away.

Teach your kid how to create hard-to-guess passwords.

Passwords play a big role in most online activities. Your kid should know that it’s not something you give out to anyone, and that when they’re creating their passwords, it should be hard to guess. Let them know that they should avoid using their name, their birthday, and other common information associated with them. Also, the longer the password, the better. Just make sure to use a password manager.

Balance is important.

in your child the importance of having a healthy balance between their online and offline life. Encourage them to participate in hobbies and activities that don’t involve a screen. This could be anything from playing sports to reading a book or spending time with friends outdoors. By setting limits on screen time and encouraging other interests, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with technology.

The Bottom Line

Internet safety is a basic knowledge everyone should have nowadays. As time passes by, cyber criminals will be more creative in doing their evil activities, and you and your child should be prepared. It won’t be easy, but if you train them as early as possible, they will definitely thank you for doing so once they grow older. 

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