How to Keep Your Preschooler Safe on the Internet

For children, the internet can be a fantastic source of both fun and educational activities. Parents want their children to enjoy these activities, which range from online learning games to entertaining and fun videos, but they must be safe. As parents, we understand that the internet can be a dangerous place if your children are not properly monitored.

According to a report, parents are more concerned than ever about internet safety. Prior to the internet's meteoric rise and widespread adoption, parents were unconcerned about the digital threats that children now face.

Since the internet has become so widely available, children of all ages can easily access it with the help of assistive technology for preschoolers. Previously, only adults and older children had access to the internet. With the introduction of tablets and other touchscreen devices, however, many toddlers and young children are becoming acquainted with the internet.

This type of technology usage is becoming more common among preschoolers aged 4 to 5. Here are three internet safety tips for your preschooler:

Pay Attention

Staying nearby while children in your care are online can help you avoid dangerous situations. When their child is confronted with something potentially harmful, parents and caregivers can step in. While staying close may be the simplest way to ensure young children's internet safety, it is not always practical or possible. There will be times when you will be unable to be present at the exact moment something occurs.

As a result, parents should consider other options, such as child-safe websites like YouTube Kids and ABC Kids. These sites are constantly monitored to ensure that they are safe for young children.

If you have a tablet or phone that your child uses, you can create a folder or screen that contains all of the apps that your child is permitted to use. You can ensure that your children are only using safe apps by making child-safe apps easy to find and access. This not only improves online safety, but it also allows younger children to feel more independent.

Make Use of Reviews and Parental Controls

If you're not sure about a website or app your child wants to try, read online reviews written by other parents, caregivers, and educational professionals. Family Education and Common Sense Media offer a wealth of information on kid-friendly websites.

Parental controls are another tool that can help ensure preschoolers' online safety. Using parental controls on computers and smart devices, parents and caregivers can control which websites their children can access, how long they can spend in a specific app, and prevent inappropriate pop-ups.

If your children have their own smartphones or tablets, parental controls can be especially useful. Using these options will allow your children to make their own decisions while not jeopardizing their safety.

Keep the Lines of Communication with Your Child Open

When it comes to using the internet safely for preschool interactive activities, particularly with younger children, the best thing parents can do is engage them in conversation. Strangers can attempt to contact children online even when parental controls and safety settings are activated.

Anyone who uses the internet is concerned about their privacy. It is critical that your children understand why sensitive information must be kept secure. Give them the tools they need to make informed decisions while online.

Advise your child not to give out personal information such as their name, age, phone number, or information about their home or town. Encourage your child to come directly to you or another trusted adult if they have any questions or encounter anything that makes them feel uneasy.

Keep Your Children Safe in the Digital Age

Years ago, internet safety was not a concern for parents. As technology advances, communication becomes increasingly important in ensuring children's online safety. Because we live in the digital age, people of all ages, including preschoolers, have unprecedented access to the internet. This requires parents to be vigilant while allowing their children to experiment with what can be a powerful learning tool.

Parenting is difficult, as is safely navigating the online world. You can, however, keep your children safe while also encouraging them to enjoy their online activities. Don't let safety concerns keep your children from enjoying all of the safe and kid-friendly content available on the internet. Of course, extreme caution is required. Fortunately, by utilizing the various options and maintaining open lines of communication with your children, you can help keep their online experience safe and enjoyable.