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The internet can be an enormously powerful tool for kids. They have seemingly unlimited access to education and entertainment in this increasingly digital world. And developing computer and internet skills is important for kids, to help them succeed in modern society. In addition, more and more parents are relying on technology to occupy kids under quarantine while balancing childcare and work.
With the increasing role technology plays in our child’s education, social development, and creative endeavors, internet safety must become a priority. All the good the internet can offer our kids can be overshadowed by the risks of cyberbullying, scams, and exposure to questionable content. It need not be so if you and your child follow some basic internet safety rules.
Wondrfly has created a guide to the top threats facing kids on the internet, and how to prevent encountering them. This way you and your kids can reap all the benefits of the internet, without falling into any common traps.
The Top Three Internet Safety Hazards for Kids
Cyberbullying
What is it?
Cyberbullying is exactly what it sounds like. It’s bullying that takes place over the internet, whether it’s in the form of harassing emails or messages sent by peers, or groups dedicated to making fun of individuals. It’s incredibly common, with about 34% of kids aged 12-17 experiencing some form of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can come in many forms, and if your child shows the following behaviors, they may be a victim of cyberbullying:
- Obsessively spending time on devices or on the internet OR, conversely, avoiding the internet and technology.
- Being secretive about their internet use, deleting browser history, covering up their screen, etc.
- Reacting emotionally to online interactions or time spent online.
- Withdrawal from normal activities, depression, increased anxiety about how they are perceived, or increased anger.
If you believe your child is being cyberbullied, gently encourage them to talk to you about it and help them process their feelings. Report necessary details to school or law enforcement authorities.
Don’t wait for signs that your child may be cyberbullying others to teach them it’s not ok. As soon as they start using sites with social or messaging capabilities, they should know what constitutes cyberbullying, and that it’s wrong.
How to avoid it:
Here are some tips to help prevent your child from falling prey to cyberbullying or engaging in cyberbullying.
Counsel your child on what appropriate online interactions should look like. Inform them that if someone would get in trouble for saying something to them in front of a parent or teacher, they shouldn’t be allowed to say it to them online either. Emphasize that this rule applies to what they say to or about others online as well.
Make accounts on the sites your kid uses to monitor their activity.
Talk openly with your child about their online interactions, the way you would ask about their time at school or extracurricular activities.
Predators
What are they?
Child predators may target your child on the internet in a variety of ways. They may pretend to be anyone to avoid suspicion, so every online communication with a stranger should be avoided. If your child is being harassed or targeted by an online predator you may notice some of the signs of cyberbullying above. If they are, take screenshots of all their interactions with the predator and alert law enforcement and the site or app involved. Change all the usernames and passwords your child uses on the internet. Seek professional help for your child as needed.
How to avoid them:
By the time you notice that your child is showing signs of online communication with a predator, they may already be in danger. To prevent it before it happens, enforce a “stranger danger” policy on the internet. Tell your kids that if anyone they don’t know contacts them online—even if they claim to know them, their parents, or their friends—they should not answer and report it to you right away. Also, make sure your child never posts any personal information or photos online.
Inappropriate Content
What is it?
What is considered inappropriate content for your child is up to you, but generally speaking, inappropriate content is anything your child sees on the internet that might frighten, confuse, or trouble them. This usually consists of violent or sexual content as well as hate speech and misinformation.
How to avoid it:
Inappropriate content can come from many different places, including pop-up ads, spam emails, messages on chat forums, and social media. Here are some tips for you
and your child to follow which will prevent them from coming in contact with any content you deem unacceptable. These guidelines will also help prevent scams, spyware, and malware.
- Use built-in content filters and parent controls on your apps and browser settings. You can also purchase additional apps and services to customize your parental
controls further.
- Tell your child never to click any pop-ups or ads that aren’t part of the site they’re on and teach them how to tell dangerous pop-ups from safe ones.
- Closely monitor your child’s use of forums, social media, and message boards.
- Tell your child never to download anything from the internet before running it by you first.
- Use a public, family computer in a busy part of the house.
- Check your browser history frequently. -
- Teach your kid not to open any attachments or emails from people they don’t know.
- Know the sites your child visits. Encourage them to visit kid-friendly, educational sites.
- Know your child’s usernames and passwords.
We hope these tips will help you to take full advantage of all the internet’s joy and learning potential. We’ve included a gift for you, as well! Print this infographic and keep it near the family computer to remind your child of the essential rules of the web.
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