Well, to pick up where we left off last time. I'm certain that you know all too well the dangers hiding on the World Wide Web. And whether it's for schoolwork, entertainment, or just socializing with friends, the Internet will surely be a major part of your child's life. So, it's important to secure their online stays.
It's not the easiest thing, but keeping open lines of communication is primary. Let them know they can share their online activities with you. Talk to them about their online presence as early as possible, ideally before they begin to use email, social media, or a smartphone. Discuss what they find interesting online and learning from them about popular websites and apps; this will create understanding and allow you to identify potential risks.
Next, monitor without spying. Most kids learn to understand boundaries, like respecting others'personal space, or not opening the cookie jar without asking. Internet use is no different. It's helpful for kids to have ground rules as to which websites they can visit, which apps they can use, and what they can share online. Remind them that if they feel uneasy with anything that occurs online, they need to alert an adult immediately. How you handle your kids'internet usage will depend in large part on their age. There are sites and browsing tools meant for younger kids, such as YouTube Kids, which aims to provide a safe online experience for children. Older kids may be allowed more freedom since they want to network and need to use the internet for information-gathering. But you can set boundaries that feel right for you. Just limit access appropriately.
Allowing your children to make good decisions online teaches them responsibility, shows that you trust
them, and reminds them that rules may be tightened if they disobey them. Stay tuned.
