The days when parents think about whether to let their children go online are over. Digitalization has taken over all aspects of our lives. One way or another, your children will spend a significant portion of their time online. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Internet is a fantastic medium for education and entertainment. However, it is also a place full of content that’s inappropriate for children.
Parents must learn to teach their children safe internet etiquette and use tools to prevent harmful content and behavior. This article will provide parents with a comprehensive digital safety checklist to ensure their children’s online safety.
Promote open communication about online use
While the internet has been around for decades, some of its aspects are still a taboo topic. But, while these conversations may be uncomfortable, it’s important that you teach your children open communication about their online activity. This will make it easier for them to open up to you when there’s a problem. No parent wants to hear that their child is getting cyberbullied, but knowing early will help you take action and mitigate the consequences.
Having that open communication will also allow you to effectively teach your kids responsible internet use. Being responsible online is something most adults learn on their own. But helping your children avoid the mistakes you made is part of being a parent, and teaching them how to safely maneuver the internet is essential.
You must teach your child to download apps and games only from official and reputable sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. These platforms often have stringent security measures to protect users from malicious or compromised applications.
Protect your child’s devices and accounts
Kids are notorious for their reckless behavior in the real world and online. Simply by asking them, an online stranger can obtain your child’s password and cause all sorts of damage. Set passwords that are at least 12 characters long, incorporating a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words, names, or easily guessable information like birthdates or addresses.
Consider using a password manager application to securely store and manage your child’s passwords. These tools can generate strong passwords, remember them, and autofill them when needed. The autofill feature is excellent because your child won’t have to remember complex passwords. Password managers also have built-in encryption and security features to protect the stored data.
Set parental controls
Depending on your child’s age, it may be difficult to help them only through communication. For younger kids, it’s best to use technology to your advantage and activate parental controls on their devices. Parental controls work across your WiFi, phone network, and individual apps, allowing you to filter and limit your children’s access. They can even let you choose what time of day your child can go online and for how long.
You can use parental controls to monitor your child’s online activity, including their browser history. Most importantly, some tools provide insights into your child’s social media activities, such as their apps, contacts, and content they post or interact with. Some tools even provide keyword alerts for potential cyberbullying or inappropriate behavior.
Social media can be a dangerous source of inappropriate content and malicious behavior, so watching your children while they’re young is crucial.
Regularly update software
Regularly updating software is important in ensuring your child’s online safety and security. Software updates, also known as patches or upgrades, often contain bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features that help protect against vulnerabilities and potential threats.
Since most children will ignore update notifications, it’s best to enable automatic updates whenever possible. This ensures that important security updates are applied without requiring manual intervention. Software that needs to be updated regularly includes:
- The operating system (OS)
- The applications installed on the device
- Firmware (for gaming consoles)
Final thoughts
In this digital age, ensuring your child’s online safety is paramount. Open communication about online use, teaching responsible internet etiquette, and setting parental controls are crucial steps to protect your child from inappropriate content and cyberbullying.
Additionally, safeguarding their devices and accounts with strong passwords and regularly updating software will enhance their online security. By following this digital safety checklist, you can create a safer online environment for your children and empower them to navigate the internet responsibly.