As parents, we want our children to have the best of everything. The internet has opened up a world of opportunities for learning, entertainment, and communication, but it also exposes children to potential risks and challenges.
Ensuring our children stay safe both online and in the real world is a top priority. In this blog post, we’ll talk about online resources that parents and educators can use to help kids stay safe online. We’ll also explore more practical tips and strategies that parents can use to help safeguard their children’s online experiences.
Play it Safe with these Online Resources for Parents and Educators
Here are some online resources for parents and educators that can help you teach your child how to be a responsible and savvy digital citizen.
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that provides ratings, reviews, and advice on media and technology for kids and families. They have guides, videos, and articles on topics such as cyberbullying, privacy, online safety, digital literacy, and more. You can also find age-appropriate recommendations for apps, games, movies, books, and websites that your child might enjoy.
NetSmartz
NetSmartz is an online education program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) that teaches children and teens how to be safer on- and offline. They have interactive games, videos, comics, and activities that cover topics such as cyberbullying, sexting, online predators, identity theft, and more. They also have resources for parents and educators to help them guide their children and students.
ConnectSafely
ConnectSafely is a nonprofit organization that promotes safe, smart, and respectful use of technology among children and teens. They have tips, guides, podcasts, and webinars on topics such as social media, gaming, online learning, mental health, and more. They also host events and forums where parents and educators can learn from experts and share their experiences.
Family Online Safety Institute
Family Online Safety Institute (fosi.org) is an international nonprofit organization that works to make the online world safer for kids and their families. They have research, resources, events, and policy initiatives on topics such as digital parenting, online well-being, digital citizenship, and more. They also have a platform called Good Digital Parenting (https://www.fosi.org/good-digital-parenting/) that offers practical tips and tools for parents to help their children navigate the digital world.
Internet Matters
Internet Matters is a UK-based nonprofit organization that helps parents keep their children safe online. They have advice, guides, videos, and tools on topics such as cyberbullying, screen time, online grooming, gaming, social media, and more. They also have a helpline for parents who need support or guidance on any online issue.
Common Online Risks for Children
While the internet offers many opportunities for children to learn, explore, and have fun, it also exposes them to some common online risks that can harm their safety and well-being. Some of these risks are:
Cyberbullying
This is when someone uses the internet or a mobile device to harass, threaten, or humiliate another person. Cyberbullying can take many forms, such as sending mean or abusive messages or emails, spreading rumours or lies, posting or sharing embarrassing or hurtful photos or videos, creating fake profiles or websites, excluding or isolating someone, or hacking into someone’s account or device. Cyberbullying can affect a child’s self-esteem, mental health, academic performance, and social relationships.
Online grooming
This is when someone uses the internet or a mobile device to build a relationship with a child in order to exploit them sexually or emotionally. Online groomers can be strangers or people the child knows in real life. They may pretend to be someone else or lie about their age or identity. They may use flattery, gifts, promises, threats, or blackmail to manipulate the child. They may try to isolate the child from their family or friends, ask for personal information or photos, persuade the child to meet them in person or involve the child in sexual activities online or offline.
Online predators
These are people who use the internet or a mobile device to find and contact children for sexual purposes. Online predators may use similar tactics as online groomers to lure the child into a trap. They may also use chat rooms, social media platforms, gaming sites, or other online spaces where children hang out to find potential victims. They may pose as children themselves or pretend to share the same interests as the child. They may try to gain the child’s trust and then ask for personal information or photos, persuade the child to meet them in person or involve the child in sexual activities online or offline.
Identity theft
This is when someone uses the internet or a mobile device to steal someone else’s personal information, such as name, address, phone number, email address, bank account details,
credit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords. Identity thieves may use this information to commit fraud, such as opening new accounts, applying for loans,
making purchases, or accessing services in the name of the victim. Identity theft can affect a child’s financial security, credit rating, and reputation.
Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content
This is when a child sees or hears something online that is not suitable for their age or development level or that goes against their values or beliefs. This can include content that is violent, sexual, hateful, racist, extremist, or illegal. Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content can affect a child’s emotional, psychological, and physical health. It can also influence their attitudes, behaviours, and choices.
Tips for Digital Parenting
Besides using these online resources to educate yourself and your child about the internet, here are some general tips for digital parenting that can help you ensure your child’s online security:
- Talk to your child regularly about their online activities and interests. Ask them what they like to do online, what they have learned, who they talk to, and how they feel. Listen to them without judging or criticising. Show them that you care about their online experiences and that you are there to support them.
- Set clear rules and boundaries for your child’s internet use. Depending on your child’s age and maturity level, you may want to limit their screen time, restrict certain websites or apps, or monitor their online activity. Explain to them why these rules are important for their safety and well-being. Be consistent and fair in enforcing these rules.
- Encourage your child to think critically about the information and content they encounter online. Teach them how to check the source, validity, and credibility of what they see or hear. Help them understand the difference between facts and opinions, between reality and fantasy. Remind them not to believe everything they read or watch online.
- Empower your child to deal with online risks and challenges. Teach them how to protect their personal information, privacy, and reputation online. Help them recognize the signs of cyberbullying, online grooming, or other harmful behaviours. Show them how to report or block any inappropriate or abusive content or contact. Tell them to come to you or another trusted adult if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened online.
- Be a good role model for your child’s internet use. Show them how to use technology in a positive, responsible, and respectful way. Avoid using your devices excessively or compulsively. Balance your online time with offline activities. Respect your child’s privacy and boundaries online. Don’t post or share anything about your child without their consent.
By following these tips for digital parenting along with using the online resources mentioned above, you can help your child enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe online and in real life.
