6 Easy Steps To Teach Your Kids Internet Safety

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With the technological advances of our modern world, children can access the internet from a very young age. While the internet can be an excellent tool for learning and staying connected with others, it can also be a dangerous place for children. It’s important to err on the side of caution when it comes to the internet to ensure your family’s safety. That’s why parents need to take steps to teach their kids internet safety. In addition, it’s important to practice internet safety as an adult, as there are many scams online that try to deceive adults as well. By educating your entire family on the dangers of the internet and implementing a few simple rules, you can give your kids the tools they need to stay safe online. Here are 6 steps to ensure you and your kids stay safe while using the internet.

1. Discuss the dangers of the internet

When you first introduce your children to the internet, discussing its dangers is essential. While younger kids are likely too young to understand any specific dangers at this point, discussing the general concept of online safety is helpful. For older kids, you can explain in more detail.

Start by explaining that the internet is a big place and isn’t monitored like a playground or classroom. This means that kids might see things or talk to people not appropriate for their age group. It’s also important to note that anything a child does or says online will likely be kept and stored in a database somewhere. This means that any inappropriate actions your child takes online will be kept and could follow them for the rest of their lives.

2. Set limits and restrictions on device use

As your children get older and start to use more devices, it’s essential to set rules around how they are used. These rules will likely vary based on your child’s age and the device in question. Here are a few examples of rules you might set:

Limit screen time. This rule is essential for young children, who shouldn’t spend any time in front of a screen. While older children might benefit from some screen time, it’s best to set a strict time limit for device use so that kids don’t overdo it.
Avoid social media apps. While social media can be an excellent tool for connecting with people, it’s important to monitor your child’s use to avoid issues such as cyberbullying. In addition, it’s important to be mindful of who your child is in communication with online. For children’s social media, a private profile is usually the way to go.
Set device rules based on your child’s age. You might not allow your child to use anything except kids-friendly apps if you have a three-year-old, for example. However, if you have a tween or teen, you might set a rule that they only use smartphones during certain hours of the day.

It’s important to implement such rules to ensure your child does not become overly reliant on devices. It allows them to set aside time for fun online, while also having a balance with other fun offline activities.

3. Monitor your child’s online activities

Another way to teach your kids internet safety is to monitor your child’s online activities. While you can’t be with your child every second of the day, monitoring your child’s online activities can help you keep an eye on what they’re doing and whom they’re talking to.

You can use several parental control apps to monitor your child’s online activities. Companies such as, Family Orbit, a company that helps allow you to monitor your child’s phone usage. Many apps allow you to track your child’s online history, view their search history, and even read their online messages.

While monitoring your child’s online activities may not be the most comfortable thing for you as a parent, it can be an excellent way to keep an eye on your child’s online activities and help you educate them about internet safety.

Use discretion when it comes to monitoring your child, depending on their age and online habits. If your child’s online activities seem positive it’s still important to check in from time to time, as things can change quickly in a time of instant messaging and cyberbullying.

4. Teach your kids about cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a large issue when it comes to kids being online. It’s increasingly easy for children to quickly send a mean message, but it can have a large impact on a child’s self-esteem.

As your kids start to use the internet more frequently, they must know how to spot cyberbullying. Start by explaining what cyberbullying is and show your children some examples of it. It’s helpful to show your kids the types of messages they might receive and how they might be received. It is also beneficial to show your child how to report cyberbullying.

It’s important to teach your kids that they should never be a cyberbully or respond to cyberbullying. Instead, they should report it to an adult and avoid interactions with the person messaging them.

5. Teach your child to recognize digital footprints

When teaching your kids about cyberbullying, it’s helpful to talk to them about digital footprints. Digital footprints can follow you into the future, so it’s important to be mindful of them as soon as you start using the internet.

This is the concept that everything you do online leaves a trail that others can see. This can include the things you post, like, comment on, or even search for.

It’s important to teach your kids to be careful about the digital footprints they leave online. This can include avoiding posting photos or updates that could be embarrassing for your child later in life.

6. Talk to your children about avoiding strangers online.

As your children get older and start to use the internet for more than play, they must know how to avoid strangers online. Start by stressing how important it is to their safety to not communicate with strangers online. Also, teach your child never to give out personal information like their name, address, or phone number.

It’s also important to teach your child that ignoring anyone they don’t know in real life is okay. If someone tries to contact your child online, they should ignore the contact and tell an adult to reduce the risk of strangers gaining access to your child.

Explain to your child that messages promising money and prizes are typically fake, as they are scammers looking to make money. They should avoid responding to such spam messages, and show an adult who can block scammers.

Teach your kids internet safety now

Internet safety, much like anything else, is a vital component of modern living, and children need to be shown how best to behave online and be able to spot the dangers associated with online activities. Children are going online at younger ages, exposing themselves to strangers and inappropriate content. To navigate all the information and users online it’s important to assist your child and teach them online safety. There are numerous online resources and popular blogs devoted to internet safety for children where you can learn more. Start now by trying some of the above tips to help you learn more about internet safety to keep you and your family safe.

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Alaine Meier is a blogger at LadyBossBlogger. She graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a BA in Economics and a minor in Environmental Studies.

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