5 Tips for Keeping Your Children Safe Online

The internet is a great tool to communicate, collaborate, and create. We aren’t always around when our children are connected to the internet. As parents, it can be stressful to protect our children and keep them safe. Most sites, apps, and games make it easier to manage. The following tips work for most things online.

Tips

  1. Establish ground rules before your child starts something new. From video games to social media, set some rules that both of you can agree to. Be willing to discuss what’s working and not working and adjust.
  2. Research settings and options for each game, app, or website to ensure the appropriate level is set for your child. Most providers recognize that not all content is appropriate for your children. Look at the settings with your child and set them ahead of time.
  3. If your child has a new “friend”, insist on being “introduced.” It’s always a good idea to meet to talk to the person your child wants to befriend online. In most cases it will be harmless. Be the gatekeeper for your child.
  4. Request to read your children’s messages on all platforms. Whether it’s email or a message on Xbox Live, you have the right as a parent to take a look to be sure things are good. Some tools will send you a copy too.
  5. Be alert for warning signs of potential predators or dangerous behavior. If you hear your son or daughter talking about meeting someone, and you don’t know who they are, intervene immediately.

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