How to Keep Children Safe Online

Now that children have been attending school over the internet for over a year, the time they spend behind a screen has increased dramatically. A child that before the pandemic had a maximum screen time of one hour per day, is now taking online classes and fulfilling all assignments on a computer, thus increasing their time on the internet dramatically. With this increased screen time the risk of online threats to children also rises.

There are some steps you can take to protect your child from online threats such as bullying, harassment, online scams, and other risks.

Discuss Internet Safety

Teach children from an early age what red flags to look out for online. Establish clear guidelines of things they shouldn’t do or post online. Discussing internet safety is especially important for older children and teenagers who start using messaging apps and social media. Data gathered from bullied children shows that 13% of tweens (9 to 12 years old) reported experiencing bullying both at school and online. Unfortunately, nowadays bullying follows children at home and they could continue to be harassed through texts, messaging apps or social media platforms. Encourage children to have open communication with you and to discuss when they feel threatened or bullied and be prepared to take action when they inform you of these attacks. Talk with teachers and other supervisors at their school to learn what measures they are taking to prevent bullying at school and what consequences bullies suffer if they engage in this behavior.

Supervise Online Activity

Especially if younger children are using electronic devices, it’s important to supervise their online activity. Check the websites they visit periodically and if they interact with other people on them. Review what games they play, apps they download, social media sites they use, and other information they download from the internet. If it’s possible, have children use their devices in a common area of the home where you can keep an eye on them. Supervising online activity for older children and teenagers may be more complicated, as children grow older, they are entitled to their privacy and invading their online space could harm your relationship. This is where online education and talking about online safety is important, children should understand what normal and unusual behavior is online and what to do if they are being harassed or asked to do strange things.

Teach Children What They Shouldn't Share Online

It is important that children understand what they can post online and what should be left private. Explain to them that sharing personal information, photos or videos online can be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands. Mention that even if they delete them, they can still stay on the internet or on someone’s device. Set specific examples such as not sharing their home address, names of their parents, places they frequently visit, personal photos or videos, and other important and private information that could pose a risk for them and your family.

Returning to School After the Pandemic

Now that some schools are starting in-person learning again it’s important to discuss with your children that school will not look the same as before the pandemic. Explain all the safety measures their school is taking inside and outside the classroom and rules and procedures that they have to follow. Explain to them that it’s important for them to follow their teacher’s instructions and the rules in place to prevent any type of school injury. You can also stay informed about the school’s COVID-19 safety procedures and updates on online and in-person learning from your school district.