What We Can Do to Teach Our Children Internet Safety

by Kim Gross Teacher

When there was no Internet, parents could turn off the TV to consider that this program was not suitable for their children or take away books and magazines if they were not suitable. But the Internet is an unlimited access to any type of content and information, which can not only be accessed from a computer. Tablets and mobiles are also a great window from which to peek into the Net.

Internet scares us

According to a report, social networks are allowing greater anonymous harassment and they have reduced respect for the privacy of others. Perhaps this is why practically all parents believe that they should be more alert to possible harassment through social networks, ensure the privacy of their children in this virtual environment, as well as control more access to mobile and internet to their children under age.

As in real life, parents accompany their children in much of their physical, social and emotional growth, parents must also protect these first adventures on the Internet. Yes, we can use tools such as parental control software or allow them to use specific applications (such as YouTube Kids) to try to prevent them from accessing inappropriate content. But we must teach them why, in addition to being unwise, it can be dangerous to access certain web pages.

It is not only that when a product or service is free, then the user is the product, but the children may be giving away their personal information without knowing it or giving the key to suffering other problems, such as cyber bullying or sexual harassment.

It is a tool, not a toy

Although they often use their devices to play, some security firms recommend insisting on the message that phones, tablets and computers are not a toy. They also advise reviewing all the applications that are downloaded.

In addition, in these first steps of the child, a parent must be a guide. Therefore, it is recommended not to leave children alone while surfing (and place the computer in a common room, not in the child's room), as well as protect the computer with a password to prevent it from being started without your presence.

When children are older

Being older does not necessarily mean being aware of the risks. If all teenagers do nonsense, those of the 21st century is no exception. But, as they say in social networks, I have had the good fortune to pass adolescence when there was no internet, so these photos have been left for the memory of a nice physical album and have not been shared with everyone.

All this learning should be based on mutual trust between children and parent, so that, if they suffer some type of incident, they have enough confidence to tell you.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Created on May 12th 2018 05:50. Viewed 551 times.

Comments