circumstances. However, hiding our head in the sand when it comes to technology
and our children is the perfect recipe for disaster. Today’s devices and
wireless Internet capabilities offer our sons and daughters the world at their
fingertips. Unfortunately, this connectivity also invites danger into their
young lives.
encounter some form of cyberbullying. With numbers like those, it’s hard not to
admit a child will probably have a negative online experience at some point in
their life. To compound this problem, research shows that seven out of ten teens hide online activity
from adults.
wrong, identity thefts, hacking scandals, and online predators seeking young
children. It’s frightening to consider that our kids’ digital devices can cause
them so much pain. Therefore, it’s vital parents have a solid understanding of
a child’s devices, the threats trolling the net, and safety measures needed to
digitally protect our children. Afterall, children spend an average of six
or more hours a day connected online!
comprehension of today’s tech challenges, here are five suggestions to keep our
sons and daughters safe:
online activity and devices. A child typically gets their first Smartphone
around the age of twelve. In the beginning, children need extra supervision and guidance when they
access devices and social media. Know passwords, usernames, friends, and sites
they use. It’s also a good idea to check text messages and review browser
history.
conversation about social media etiquette. Take a few minutes and talk with
your children about the permanence of the world wide web. Help them realize
that anything they post today, will be seen tomorrow and years down the road..
contract for your family. Write down expectations, consequences, and rules
for using technology.
privacy settings. Show them how to set their accounts so they are protected
now and in the future!
follow or friend people they actually know. Many predators and bullies
entangle their victims by using fake profiles to gain trust and access to
sensitive information.
will do to help keep kids safe with technology?
TX, Hilary Smith is a free-lance journalist whose love of gadgets, technology
and business has no bounds. After becoming a parent she now enjoys writing
about family and parenting related topics.
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What you should teach kids about online safety
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