Solutions to help keep your kids safe online

1. Trust your gut! If you sense that there is danger or you notice a change in your child’s behavior…TRUST IT! The danger flags are still the same online as they would be offline. For example, strangers are just as dangerous if not more dangerous online. Strangers are still unknown, unfamiliar, and unexpected. The internet makes it easier for strangers to get in contact with your child and in the most private settings (your home, bedroom, classroom) Trust that seeing is not always believing; just because it’s there does not necessarily mean that it is the truth; especially online.

2. Guide. Help guide your child on the meaning of privacy and what it consists of. Certain things are sacred and should always be held sacred; from personal feelings, views, photos, videos, etc. In regards to safety, the internet can be made safer. Be cautious. For example, you can help your child build their profiles on social networking sites. Telling them to never include their name, phone numbers, addresses, and school on their page.

3. Educate. Feed your brain! Take what you do know about safety and honesty and apply it to all aspects of your child’s life: offline and online. Take a step in educating yourself on the “unknowns”. Get on the sites your child goes to, research it, study it, and try building your own profile.

4. Trust. Establish a trust with your child. Create a safe environment for open communication. Ask general questions on a daily basis about their life. Have them tell you about school, friends, teachers, coaches, activities, etc. Make mental notes throughout your conversations of all the above so if anything does happen or change you’ll have an idea of where to start.  Plus, this will help provide you an insight to their world and bring you closer with your child.

5. Control. Implement parental controls on all of the computers in your home. Limit the amount of time your child spends online. Put a timeframe on internet use outside of school projects and homework. For example, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. is your personal time on the computer.

6. Attitude. Keep an open mind when it comes to your child’s lifestyle, technology, and the internet. Viewing the internet as a threat, mysterious, or a waste of time your child can become secretive and unwilling to share.  Don’t put yourself at a disadvantage in understanding a huge part of your child’s life. Keep a positive and interested attitude in learning about all aspects of your child’s’ life, make them want to share with you.