Internet safety is of the utmost importance, especially in today’s society. Now, more than ever, children can access nearly every avenue of the internet on their devices. So, you need to prioritise teaching your children how to be safe online. Here are some effective ways to teach your kids how to be safe online.
Don’t Wait Until They Are Older:
Teach your child about internet safety as soon as you can, rather than waiting until they are older. This will help them develop good habits and understand the risks associated with being online. In today’s digital age, you can’t leave it until your children are older in order to begin teaching them about internet safety when they can access the internet on so many devices such as their gaming consoles, mobile phones and laptops or computers, which don’t even need to be their own. So, don’t wait until they’re old enough to have their own devices, teach them about online safety when they’re young enough to really absorb it.
Set Limits:
Set limits on the amount of time your child spends online as this will help them avoid using the internet unsafely and keep them safe while online. There are certain ways you can set limits on your child’s online use. If your child has a VPN for example, they can access the internet while you have the peace of mind that their information is safe and won’t be stolen online, even if they are using public Wi-Fi. You should check the effectiveness and security of a VPN connection by doing a VPN test. There are several types of VPN tests that can be performed, including; a speed test which measures the speed of your internet connection before and after connecting to a VPN, or an IP address test which checks to see if your VPN is successfully hiding your IP address. This is important because your IP address can reveal your child’s location and other identifying information to third parties. Performing these tests can help you identify any vulnerabilities in your VPN connection and take steps to improve your child’s online security and privacy.
Use Parental Controls:
Use parental controls to block inappropriate content and restrict access to certain websites, so that you can feel secure in what your child is using the internet for. Also encourage your children to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe online. Let them know that it’s okay to tell you or another trusted adult if they need help. It’s easy to overlook your child’s activities on the internet, but you need to stay involved in your child’s online activities in order to make sure your children are using the internet safely. Ask them about their online experiences and monitor their online behaviour regularly and have open conversations about internet safety.
By implementing just a few steps, you can help your kids stay safe online and give you the peace of mind that your children are enjoying the benefits of the internet while you can enjoy the benefits of having some free time to yourself!
