Technology is shaping our children's world as video games, social media, and online videos have become an important part of their daily lives. Since kids have so much access to technology, they've become comfortable and somehow more competent using innovations that seem complicated to older adults. According to a OnePoll survey of 2,000 parents with children aged 3 to 12 years old, 85 percent are impressed by how quickly their child picks up new technology, and 47 percent believe that technology will help their children in a variety of career paths.
We're living in a digital age, and parents should encourage their children to develop their tech skills since it can be an advantage later on. But this doesn't mean that kids should be left unsupervised and given free rein whenever they're using the Internet. Although they may be pros at using apps and devices, it’s still a grown-up's responsibility to keep them safe at all times. Given that there are all sorts of predators and cybercriminals lurking online, teaching children best practices at a young age can keep them out of harm's way while using their devices. If you're a parent, here's how to raise tech-safe kids to keep them protected online.
Setup New Devices for Safety
New data indicates that globally, over 804 million children under the age of 14 own a smartphone. While some kids only have one device, there are millions who have multiple gadgets as lots of kids get a second phone, new tablets, smart watches, laptops, or gaming consoles as presents on their birthday or during the holiday season. If your child receives a tech gift, ask them to hand it over for a few minutes so you can set it up for security.
Essential steps to take include enabling two-factor authentication, turning on Safe Search filters, and installing age-appropriate apps and platforms. On streaming platforms, you can limit your child’s ability to access R-rated content and ensure that they have access to age-appropriate, positive religious cartoons. If you're outside, wait until you get home to do the initial setup since you need to avoid using public Wi-Fi to do so. A lot of public Wi-Fi hotspots are not encrypted and they transmit data, which means that cybercriminals can easily hack the same network to spy on users’ online activities.
Teach Them to Navigate the Internet in a Safer and More Responsible Way
There's no such thing as being overly cautious when using the Internet since there are so many ways that kids can be in danger while they're online. Although you've already taught them the basics, such as not sharing personal information, being mindful of what they say on their social media posts, and letting you know if a stranger is sending them inappropriate messages, you'll need to teach them other ways to be safe while navigating the Internet.
One wrong move online could result in real-life repercussions, so let them know that what they do on social media could also potentially affect them in the real world. For instance, remind them not to post pictures or information of their whereabouts while they're out since kidnappers could use this info to find them. Also, let them know that they shouldn't share pictures while you're on vacation. As much as they want to keep their friends updated on their activities, they need to wait until you get home to upload photos since doing so may help to protect your family and property while you're away.
Check in Once in a While
No one wants to be accused of being a helicopter parent, so some moms and dads try to give their kids some space while they're gaming online or talking to their friends on social media. However, it's important to check in once in a while, and you can do so in various ways without pestering them for information. First, follow them on their social media accounts, gaming accounts, and music and video platform accounts just so you'll have an idea who their friends are, who they're following, what they're watching, and which artists they're listening to. You may also want to make some gaming accounts so you can play with your child for a little while and know who else they're gaming with.
Raising children in a tech-driven world can be challenging, but there are ways to keep them safe while they're online. Be vigilant and monitor your children until they're old enough to make good choices, and let them know that they can always come to you in case they encounter something odd, hurtful, or potentially dangerous while they're online.
