Undoubtedly, the internet is a great place for children as they can gain knowledge through research. They get to interact with people and enjoy fun games for entertainment. But let’s get realistic, parents, the digital world can be scary for kids! You cannot undermine the risks of cyberbullying, sexting, and online predators because they are all too real.
As a parent, you’ve got to keep your children safe online, even if it means sleuthing and spying on them. The numbers say it all, moms and dads, 59% of American teens have experienced online harassment in some form. That’s scary stuff, right? But consider it an eye-opener and take some measures to protect your kids.
The best way to handle the challenge is by being proactive about cyber safety. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of actionable cyber safety essentials that every parent should stick with. It may take some effort, but nothing matters more than safety when it comes to your children. So buckle up, parents, and let’s give you some hard facts!
Discuss cyber safety early and often
Many parents often wait for the big conversation on cyber safety because they think that their kids are too young to understand. But the threat is actually more daunting for little ones as they can easily fall prey to cyberbullying and predatory behaviors.
Don’t wait until your child is a teenager, but start the dialogue early on. Have frequent discussions and continue to talk about it as they grow up. Your kids must understand that the internet can be a dangerous place. Also, convey that you’re there for them. They should not hesitate to come to you if they feel threatened or uncomfortable online.
Set boundaries and rules
Setting boundaries and rules is a part of parenting because you’ve got to ensure good behavior in the real world. It applies to their online behavior as well, so you must have clear lines in place. Establish time limits for games and browsing.
Set rules for what websites they can visit and who they can interact with. And your kids should understand that these boundaries and rules are in place for their safety.
Use parental controls and monitoring software
You should be assertive when it comes to cyber safety because you know what’s best for your kids. The good thing is that there are plenty of tools to help you keep an eye on your child’s internet activity. Why not use parental controls to block inappropriate sites and restrict your child’s access to certain content?
Taking control is just about ensuring they’re safe online, so you should not feel guilty about taking some liberties with your child’s privacy.
Hire a hacker
Well, this one may seem like going too far, but you’re only going the extra mile to keep your child safe. If you suspect something is seriously amiss, you can hire a hacker for phone to dig deep into your child’s device.
At times, kids are just too scared to report inappropriate behaviors to parents. Or they may not realize the consequence of going the wrong way. The best piece of parenting advice is to go aggressive and bring a hacker on board.
Highlight the dangers of cyberbullying
Not all kids realize the dangers of cyberbullying unless they get into big-time trouble. But it’s a grave problem that may have devastating consequences. Take it seriously in the first place and ensure your kids understand what cyberbullying is.
Teach them how to recognize it and encourage your kids to raise a voice against it. Also, educate them about online predators. As a rule, your kids shouldn’t interact with strangers or share personal information online.
Foster open communication with your kids
Nothing matters more than maintaining open lines of communication with your children. Your kids should be comfortable talking to you about anything and everything. Also, be accessible regardless of your busy schedules and timelines.
Encourage your child to come to you if they feel uncomfortable online. By fostering open communication, you build trust that gets you in a better place to protect your children in the digital world.
A final word
The internet is a risky place for children, so no parent should undermine online threats. The good thing is that you can help them navigate it safely and responsibly with the right tools and strategies in place. As a parent, you also need to stay vigilant and informed, even if it means hiring a hacker to keep an eye on your child’s activity. Go for it because safety matters the most!
