How to Keep kids safe on the internet!

How to Keep kids safe on the internet!

It has almost become impossible to escape the technological advances of the digital age. The internet has become omnipresent, making its presence felt through the smartphones, tabs and laptops. Internet exerts a considerable amount of influence on the members of the family, of which the kids are most vulnerable. A smartphone with fancy games is easily becoming every other child's favourite piece of entertainment and has largely replaced the toys of the past.

 

But all is not hunky dory with internet dominating our lives all the time. As with everything else, there are some negative aspects of the internet where parents, particularly of the growing kids, need to be careful. The most pertinent concern parents have relate to the safety and security of their kids, due to excessive and uncontrolled online exposure.

The dangers lurking in cyberspace in the form of cyber crimes is not a new piece of information. Incidences of cyber crimes are rising. Here are some of the guidelines given by Cyber Safety Expert who consults on www.solvemyproblemm.com to a concerned parent -

Parent: Hello Sir, I have two kids, a daughter and a son of ages 11& 9 respectively. They have been demanding Wi-Fi connection, for months now. I know that the internet has its uses, but the vices that come with it, scare me.

Cyber Security Expert: I can understand your apprehension. The cyberspace presents an exciting plethora of options to inspire the kids, but there are multitudes of viruses, phishing and other threats to the kids’ safety. In today's voyeuristic cyber culture, users’ identities are at risk from predators and cyber bullies.

 

The most important tip I can tell you is to show your kids that you are technologically sound. Kids have a tendency to hide anything wrong that has happened to them online, if they feel you are not net-savvy enough. Have family talks where you all can engage each other about the internet and its uses, how to be safe and avoid risk.

Parent: I have kept the laptop in the hall and am also planning to allot timings that each kid can spend online. Is it OK?

Cyber Security Expert: Yeah, keeping the desktop or laptop in an open location is a good move. House rules must be set on how much time each kid should spend online. There is a set of  safeguards kids have to consciously take, whenever they go online.

 

Teach the kids to protect their privacy by -

 

1. Not posting/submitting their personal details, email id and password, photos or school info, daily routine, your financial details etc. anywhere online.
2. Not opening mails from senders unknown to them, even if it seems to be an interesting or harmless mail.
3. Never accepting friend requests or messages from strangers.
4. Never befriending strangers online or plan get-together with strangers.
5. Not falling for any kind of free offers available online.
6. Never using any rude or offensive language/posts on social media against anything or anyone.
7. Avoid opening unknown file types or .exe files.

 

 

Parent: That is a really comprehensive list. Anything else, I need to do?

 

Cyber Security Expert: Yes, just telling your kids to do or not do something is not enough. Here are few things you must do in order to ensure your kids are safe online –

 

1.      Keep a tab on the friends they have on social media and the kind of discussions they indulge in.

2.      Ask them to approach you in case of any incidence of cyber bullying.

3.      Keep an eye on the videos that they watch online, especially on YouTube.

4.      Encourage non-judgmental discussions around what they do online.

 

Parent: Could you please enlighten me about some specific ways to ensure their security online, using technology?

 

Cyber Security Expert: Ensure their safety by blocking access to sites that are known to have inappropriate content. This can be done by downloading anti-virus and malware blocking softwares. Many such softwares have parental control tabs that can be activated to restrict access to children to fishy content.

 

Parent: Thank you so much Sir, for your valuable advice. I understood that  parents should stay abreast with the latest progresses in cyberspace, at least for the sake of their kids’ safety.

 

Cyber Security Expert: Yes, only if you are aware of the dangers associated with something, will you be able to devise ways to safeguard your loved ones, when they venture into something new and alluring. If you need any help in future related to the matters concerning technology and how to make the best of it, you can consult some of the best IT Experts on solvemyproblemm. Best wishes for making the best use of internet maintaining your kids safety.