- \n
- Quick List of Internet Safety Tips for Kids<\/a><\/li>\n
- Top 9 Internet Safety Rules for Parents<\/a><\/li>\n
- Online Protection Tools<\/a><\/li>\n
- Kids & Social Media<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Internet & Teens<\/a><\/li>\n
- Internet Safety Laws<\/a><\/li>\n
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Quick List of Internet Safety Tips for Kids<\/h2>\n
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Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Kids need guidance when it comes to <\/span>using the computer to access websites<\/span>. So check out this quick list of<\/span> online protection<\/span> tips to help kids interact with the <\/span>digital<\/span> world.<\/span><\/p>\n
Hold On to Personal Info<\/h3>\n
Parents should protect their child\u2019s personal information, even when signing in to complete <\/span>an activity<\/span> or school assignments<\/span> on the computer<\/span>. <\/span> Using personal information can make tracking or finding people offline easy, which is especially dangerous for kids!\u00a0<\/span>Review your child\u2019s privacy settings on all apps to control what information is visible.<\/span><\/p>\n
Keep the following <\/span>information<\/span> from <\/span>appearing in a username<\/span>, password, or elsewhere:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Full name (first and last)<\/li>\n
- Birth date<\/li>\n
- Phone number<\/li>\n
- Social Security Number<\/li>\n
- Home address<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Never Trust Strangers on the Internet<\/h3>\n
Internet<\/span> predators spend time <\/span>using social networks and websites,<\/span> too, and these people know how to stay hidden. Exploited children suffer from trusting strangers w<\/span>hom they meet in chatrooms or on social media<\/span>. <\/span>Look at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children<\/a> for further proof.<\/p>\n
Create and Use Complex Passwords<\/h3>\n
The most common passwords in the U.S. are \u2018password\u2019 and \u2018123456\u2019. Teach kids how to create long, complex passwords to keep accounts safe and secure. A secure password should include uppercase letters and at least one symbol.<\/p>\n
You can also use secure resources like Password Managers to store passwords. They can also generate unique passwords with uppercase letters and symbols. This helps you avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.<\/p>\n
Be Kind<\/h3>\n
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Comeback Images\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
The <\/span>web<\/span> is full of all kinds of people. Unfortunately, <\/span>cyberbullying<\/span> makes up<\/span> some of the most cruel treatment of children, and it\u2019s worse than being bullied at school because the Internet is accessible 24\/7. Make sure kids understand how to behave online<\/a> and treat others with kindness.<\/p>\n
Get a Parent\u2019s Permission<\/h3>\n
Teaching<\/span> kids how to stay safe online<\/span> also includes getting a parent\u2019s permission to download or view social media <\/span>profiles<\/span> or meet up with a <\/span>digital<\/span> friend in real life. Parents must know how their kids spend time<\/span> on the computer,<\/span> use parental controls, and establish good rules as part of the family\u2019s Internet safety tips.<\/span><\/p>\n
Speak Up!<\/h3>\n
As parents, it\u2019s important to have conversations with your child, letting them know that you support them. They should feel comfortable coming to you when something doesn\u2019t feel right about a website or a communication they\u2019ve had with a stranger. Speak up to stop digital predators and protect children. If necessary, law enforcement officials can get involved to help decrease risks.<\/p>\n
Uploads and Posts Matter<\/h3>\n
Anything that kids and adults upload onto the <\/span>web<\/span> stays there forever. It\u2019s crucial to ensure kids understand that <\/span>removing inappropriate<\/span> content is impossible if they decide to upload<\/span> pictures or videos<\/span> or make a rude comment in a<\/span> game\u2019s chat room<\/span>. This applies to social media platforms, <\/span>classroom accounts, video sites, and more<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Respond<\/h3>\n
Teach children to walk away if approached online by a bully or stranger. When a child experiences bad activity or something that makes them feel uncomfortable, they must report it to an adult immediately\u2014without responding. The adult can report and block the user.<\/p>\n
Top 9 Internet Safety Rules for Parents<\/h2>\n
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gooadluz\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Here\u2019s a list of <\/span>cyber tips<\/span> that you can use to further help your child navigate today\u2019s digital world responsibly<\/span> and give you peace of mind<\/span><\/p>\n
Educate Your Child On The Risks Of Internet Use<\/h3>\n
This point is crucial. As much as you need to educate yourself on the topic of online safety for children, it\u2019s also just as important to teach your kids how to stay safe while browsing the digital world.<\/p>\n
Be sure to discuss with them all the topics in this article\u2014people who target children, cybercriminals, malware, and cyberbullying. Explain common digital risks like scams, malware, and phishing.<\/p>\n
Just like you\u2019d teach your child how to cross the street or to not speak to strangers, you must explain how the digital world\u2014if used incorrectly\u2014can be an unsafe place.<\/p>\n
Encourage Them To Talk<\/h3>\n
Encouraging an open <\/span>conversation<\/span> between yourself and your child about <\/span>staying safe while using the computer or phone <\/span>is extremely important.<\/span><\/p>\n
If your child has any concerns while using the internet, they need to know that they can come to you and explain their issues.<\/span> Set their expectations that you won\u2019t get mad, but instead, take steps to remove risks and keep them safe.<\/span><\/p>\n
If your child is the victim of cyberbullying, you need to let them know that they can come to you for advice and support.<\/p>\n
Use Parental Controls<\/h3>\n
Parental controls are an awesome way to ensure your child isn\u2019t accessing malicious content or websites that you don\u2019t deem fit for them to use\u2014including social networking sites such as Facebook & Twitter.<\/p>\n
The controls are simple to use. For example, Google Chrome\u2019s built-in <\/span>tools<\/span> will enable you to type in the websites that you want to prohibit your child from visiting\u2014take YouTube.com, <\/span>for example<\/span>. If your child tries to <\/span>visit<\/span> this site <\/span>while<\/span> using the internet, they are stopped immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n
Setting Time Limits<\/h3>\n
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Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
It seems that everyone is constantly using<\/span> their phone, tablet, or computer. <\/span>Although it can be a great tool for kids\u2014especiall<\/span>y for classroom educational resources and entertainment\u2014it can seriously hinder your child\u2019s behaviour if used excessively<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
This is why it\u2019s important to set time parameters that ensure your child isn\u2019t overusing their digital device. Instead, they<\/span>\u00a0spend<\/span> more time interacting<\/span>\u00a0with the world, their family, and their friends.<\/span><\/p>\n
Setting Strong Passwords<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s important for your child to know that a strong password can improve their security when using the internet.<\/p>\n
When they\u2019re signing up to specific websites, encourage them to create memorable yet complex passwords that will help to mitigate any risks of having <\/span>their accounts<\/span> hacked.<\/span><\/p>\n
Use The Best Internet Security Tools<\/h3>\n
As discussed previously, there\u2019s a wide range of different security tools that will improve your child\u2019s <\/span>security<\/span> when they use the <\/span>web<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
Using tools such as VPNs and antivirus software, you can be sure that your children will be protected from harmful malware and the risks posed by cybercriminals, who intend<\/span>\u00a0to steal your child\u2019s data for malicious purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n
Teach Online ‘Stranger Danger’<\/h3>\n
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Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
The age-old saying ‘stranger danger’ still applies in the internet age.<\/p>\n
Be sure to teach your child that it is never safe to meet up with people whom they\u2019ve me<\/span>t over the computer<\/span>\u2014reinforce the principle that <\/span>digital strangers can<\/span> be and most likely are dangerous.<\/span> It\u2019s common for predators to create fake profiles to interact or play with children through games or social media. Teach your child to only trust people they know.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Online Scams<\/a><\/h3>\n
Many people, including children, can fall victim to seemingly innocent pop-ups and spam messages <\/span>created<\/span> by cybercriminals.<\/span><\/p>\n
These pop-ups and spam messages can be very malicious, <\/span>risking<\/span> giving your child\u2019s device a computer virus. <\/span>As a parent, it\u2019s important to research and stay up to date on the latest scams appearing\u2014this will keep both you and your child safe when using the web.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Show your child the warning signs to look out for so they know to avoid them when they appear on the internet.<\/p>\n
Always Supervise & Teach Internet Safety<\/h3>\n
Your child shouldn\u2019t be browsing the World Wide Web on their own\u2014especially if they\u2019re young.<\/p>\n
When your child wants to use the internet, be sure to sit with them while they use it. <\/span>The best way to<\/span> use this time <\/span>is<\/span> to see what activities they get up to when using the internet, and you can act as their guid<\/span>e, e<\/span>ducating them on how<\/span> to use it safely<\/span>. This hands-on approach reinforces digital <\/span>security habits.<\/span><\/p>\n
Related: How to Turn off Internet Access at Night?<\/a><\/p>\n
Online Protection Tools<\/h2>\n
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Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
There is a huge range of tools that you can use when looking<\/span> to protect your children<\/span> while they use the internet.<\/span><\/p>\n
Tools such as antivirus software, VPNs, and parental control apps will enable you to safeguard your children from the threats of internet use and will also give you the ability to monitor their<\/span> digital activity<\/span>\u2014ensuring that they\u2019re using the internet sensibly.<\/span><\/p>\n
Antivirus Software<\/h3>\n
You may be leaving your child\u2019s device at risk if you\u2019re not using reliable antivirus software.<\/p>\n
These programs are designed to block cyber criminals from attempting to hack any digital devices\u2014laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a huge range of antivirus software that comes equipped with the tools to<\/span> keep your child safe from<\/span> the threats posed by cybercriminals. <\/span>The following resources aremajor antivirus software providers to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Heimdal<\/li>\n
- McAfee<\/li>\n
- Norton<\/li>\n
- Avira<\/li>\n
- AVG<\/li>\n
- Malwarebytes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The majority of antivirus <\/span>platforms provide efficient tools that<\/span> block your child from accessing malicious sites that contain malware. Heimdal\u2019s DarkGuard immediately blocks connections with known malware sources and potentially unsafe websites that could compromise your child\u2019s personal data.<\/span><\/p>\n
VPNs<\/h3>\n
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Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Okay, so what’s a VPN? In simple terms, a VPN\u2014which stands for ‘Virtual Private Network’\u2014is a way for you to establish a secure connection online whilst using a potentially insecure network. VPNs are especially useful when your child connects to public Wi-Fi networks.<\/span><\/p>\n
VPNs enable you to use the internet without the risk of cyber criminals being able to target your network\u2019s location\u2014potentially using this information to perform a cyberattack.<\/p>\n
Some great VPN companies that you should consider include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- NordVPN<\/li>\n
- Cyberghost<\/li>\n
- PureVPN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Many of the previously mentioned <\/span>antivirus software products can come with awesome VPN features built in <\/span>so you can enjoy full protection, safeguarding your computer from malware whilst protecting your child from the threats of cybercriminals.<\/span><\/p>\n
Parental Control Apps<\/h3>\n
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Findmykids app<\/p><\/div>\n
Parental control apps are an amazing way to monitor your child\u2019s <\/span>digital<\/span> activity. Using these platforms, you can see what websites your child has visited, the content they\u2019ve watched, or the applications they\u2019ve been using. Most web browsers allow you to set safe search filters and block harmful <\/span>sites for free.<\/span><\/p>\n
Using online safety tools <\/span>is key for any parent looking to ensure their child\u2019s <\/span>protection<\/span> and well-being in the internet age<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Some of the best parental control apps include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Findmykids<\/a><\/li>\n
- Kids360<\/a><\/li>\n
- Net Nanny<\/li>\n
- Qustodio<\/li>\n
- Google Chrome\u2019s native control settings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Using these apps, you\u2019ll also be able to limit the amount of time your child is spending on the internet\u2014meaning they\u2019ll have more time to spend interacting with friends and family.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also be able to block specific websites before your child accesses them\u2014including gaming sites and pornographic content.<\/p>\n
Kids & Social Media<\/h2>\n
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Prostock-studio\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Social media is, without a doubt, one of the most revolutionary technologies of the 21st century.<\/p>\n
Social media networks\u2014such as Facebook<\/span>, Instagram, and TikTok<\/span>\u2014have billions of users worldwide. They can prove to be a great tool for enhancing social interaction, <\/span>creating communities<\/span>, and promoting businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n
However, when it comes to children using social media\u2014especially if they\u2019re new to the technology\u2014there can be some majo<\/span>r risks and<\/span> pitfalls that you must be aware of.<\/span><\/p>\n
Issues With Social Media<\/h3>\n
As discussed previously, cyberbullying is rife in this internet age. With reports of cyberbullying on the rise, you need to realize that your child could be at risk of being psychologically abused.<\/p>\n
The potential for your child to be targeted by harmful internet users is also massively increased when they\u2019re introduced to social media. Online predators often use social media user accounts to disguise themselves as children who are similar age to your child\u2014something that you must make your child aware of when they begin to use social media networks.<\/p>\n
Teaching your child tips for staying safe in the digital space is important\u2014especially when it comes to social media.<\/p>\n
Age Restrictions<\/h3>\n
You may want to determine the age at which you\u2019ll allow your child access to social media. Most social networks <\/span>do not allow children under 13 to create an account or<\/span> access the platform.<\/span><\/p>\n
You may want to wait until your child reaches a certain level of maturity before they\u2019re allowed to use social networking sites such as Facebook & Twitter.<\/p>\n
Monitor Your Child\u2019s Activity<\/h3>\n
When your child is using social medi<\/span>a, make an effort to monitor <\/span>their activity\u2014check what information they\u2019re posting online, who they\u2019re talking to, what content they\u2019re engaging with, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n
- Kids360<\/a><\/li>\n
- Findmykids<\/a><\/li>\n
- Top 9 Internet Safety Rules for Parents<\/a><\/li>\n
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