Talking to Your Kids about Online Safety

*Collaborative Post

Whether they’re running riot outside or playing computer games, keeping kids safe is paramount. In the digital age, serious threats lurk within almost every online platform. Research suggests that in the US alone, around 12 million children are exposed to cyber risks.

Protecting young people against these risks should be the priority for all parents. And when it comes to online safety, open conversations are a brilliant way to foster security and sensible interactions. Here’s how to start talking about it.

Understand the digital landscape first

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the apps and online platforms that your kids typically use. If you’ve never heard of them, take some time to research their function and purpose.

Once you know about the type of material that your kids are interacting with, you’ll be able to discuss the potential risks. Before you get to that point, you should focus the conversation on promoting appropriate behaviors and using the internet safely.

There’s a real danger that apps can be manipulated by people with sinister intentions. A real-life example is an app for teens called Wizz, which was removed from online app stores due to concerns about sextortion scams. Check the news and stay aware of the websites your kids are using.

Foster open communication

Honest conversations make the foundations of a healthy relationship with your kids. When it comes to online safety, your kids won’t want to share their experiences with you if they don’t feel comfortable.

You should encourage them to talk about anything they encounter, without pressure or fear of judgement or discipline. Initiating these conversations can be difficult as a parent, especially if you have valid concerns that your kids have already been interacting with risky material.

But you should try to help them see the situation as an opportunity to learn and avoid making the same mistake in the future.

Implement practical safety measures

Once you’ve talked about how they use the internet, it’s time to educate your kids on the importance of practical safety measures.

These include privacy settings, recognizing suspicious behavior, and understanding the consequences of sharing their personal details. You might also choose to restrict the amount of time your kids spend online.

As a parent, you can get involved without being controlling. Utilize tools like parental control settings, which automatically filter or block inappropriate content. Consider additional measures like antivirus software and online VPNs to shield your private information, including the family IP address.

Know the legalities

Finally, you should try to stay aware of relevant laws and regulations designed to protect young people who use the internet.

For example, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) lays out guidelines that aim to shield minors from harmful material on social media. This requires developers to give young people the option to protect their identity, disable certain features, and opt out of automatic content recommendations.

Understanding this legislation and keeping an eye out for updates can help you reinforce safety measures at home. ​

By proactively engaging in these strategies, you can significantly contribute to your children’s online safety, fostering a secure and positive digital experience.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.