Teaching your child about safe use of the internet

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There’s no denying that children today are growing up in a hugely different world than we did. My girls are incredulous that we grew up without the internet (and I do wonder how on earth we managed without it!) While the internet provides a wealth of information and opportunities, it also comes with its share of risks. We are very aware that it is our job as parents to constantly monitor internet usage and teach our girls to be safe when using the internet.

Some of the tips that we have found work are below:

1. Open Communication:

This London private school suggests that the foundation of teaching your child about safe internet use lies in fostering open communication. Our girls know that they can discuss their online experiences, concerns, and ask questions. We encourage them to share both positive and negative encounters – One particular incident sticks in my mind when Violet was younger and clicked on something that worried her. She felt secure to come to us straightaway, without worrying about being in trouble.

2. Set Clear Boundaries:

Establishing clear guidelines is essential to guide your child’s internet usage. Create a set of age-appropriate rules that define when and how they can access the internet. We have set time limits for screen usage, designate safe websites, and outline consequences for violating these rules. They all know that we can check their phones at any time – One of the perks of paying the bill! We have been incredibly lucky that our girls have never been on an dodgy sites but we have found messages that we needed to check their meaning over the years.

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3. Teach Online Privacy:

Educate your child about the importance of protecting their personal information online. Emphasise the significance of strong, unique passwords and discourage the sharing of sensitive details like home address, phone number, or school information. Help them understand the concept of online privacy and how it relates to maintaining a safe digital presence.

4. Introduce Cybersecurity Awareness:

Our girls understood the basics of cybersecurity from an early age. Discuss the potential threats, such as phishing scams and malware, and demonstrate how to identify trustworthy websites. As a family, we are all on shared networks and update software regularly. We use Apple equipment that comes with the highest setting security systems too.

We have had one incident fairly recently though, when Violet applied for her provisional driving licence and clicked on a really convincing scam site, leaving bank details. They actually apply for your driving licence for you but then take money from your bank account about 3 months later. There’s still lessons for us all to learn at any age.

6. Emphasise Digital Etiquette:

I would like to think that my children would always be polite and thoughtful but in person and online but it never harms to check. We emphasise the significance of being respectful and kind when communicating online, whether through social media, emails, or online gaming platforms. Discuss the potential consequences of cyberbullying and how they can contribute to a positive online community.

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7. Monitor Online Activities:

While it’s essential to trust your child, maintaining a level of supervision is crucial, especially for younger children. Use parental control tools to monitor their online activities, ensuring they adhere to the established guidelines. Regularly check their friend lists on social media platforms and discuss the importance of connecting only with people they know in real life.

The online world is ever changing and we will never be completely safe. All we can do, as parents, is try our best to educate our children to be vigilant, keep talking and think first before acting online. That way, they will be as safe as it is possible to be when using the internet.

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