Exploring Internet Safety with Your Child

Teaching your child to be safe online is a two-way street. Adults should be aware of the main risks found online and what needs to be done to keep both them and children safe when browsing the web. Almost all children will be exposed to the benefits of the internet and how it can help them with not just their homework but allow them to socialise with others online, explore new interests and access social media, among other uses.

Children can and should learn how to browse the web safely – here are some ways you can explore that with your child that this prep school in Kent recommends.

Maintain an open dialogue with your kids

The only way a child will learn is through an adult’s guidance and repeated reinforcement. There are dangerous and malicious websites, scams, malware and other viruses that can be easily downloaded onto a computer and inappropriate users, among other risks such as cyberbullying and abuse. In keeping an open dialogue you’re more likely to raise a child that’s going to voice their concerns and turn to you for help.

Set rules

While an open dynamic with your child is essential, you should be setting rules for when they browse online and emphasise their importance. First of all you should have internet protection set up so that children can only access safe websites and minimise the risks online. Set time limits so that children aren’t constantly in front of a computer screen and remind them of how to behave when online, and ask for help when they need it.

Keep an eye on your child’s behaviour

A child’s instinct could be to keep quiet about what they’re doing online, something that can worry their parents. In any case, have a series of security procedures to make sure your child is browsing safe websites, and monitor your child’s behaviour. If it’s changing dramatically then it could be a sign something deeper is going on. 

This is a collaborative post.