The internet has changed the way people think and act. It keeps us connected to people from different places and provides us with great information. Although neither my children nor I can picture our lives without the internet, I was concerned about how I could save them from its dark side. Your kids may be more at risk from the internet’s prevailing theft, pornography and fake news than you realize.
Parents believe that allowing children to play outdoors and banning them from using the internet is the best solution. But, it’s not! It’s impossible to stop your children from accessing the internet as it is all around them. They will likely use the internet at school, or at a friend’s house if they don’t have it at home. You can only help them to understand the negative aspects of the device and grow in maturity by the following methods.
1. Your Computer can be placed in the Lounge
If your children are under 15, do not allow them to have a computer in their bedrooms or any other private area. You should not permit them to use laptops. Instead, install a shared computer in the lounge or shade structure of your home. They may need to give up some of their devices as they are attracted to them when they see other adults using them. Keep your tablets and laptops inside, and only use the common computer.
2. Take a look at what they are looking at
It doesn’t matter if they are older, but it is important to do some research if they are younger than 18. To find out what my children are up to, I look through their histories and check their social media accounts. Once they were browsing inappropriate websites, I advised them about how it could harm them.
3. Teach them not to publish their personal information
For blackmailing or other negative purposes, thieves and sexual predators have the most power to access personal information. My children have been taught by me to not use their personal information, including email address, phone number, photograph, passwords and even real names, on social media sites. You also advised them to only speak to people they are familiar with.
4. Block unnecessary material
Unintentionally, your children may gain access to certain websites. They may be able to access pornographic sites while searching for answers to their biology questions. To keep them safe, you must keep an eye on such sites and block them. It’s not their responsibility to know what they’re looking at, so it’s best they don’t until they’re older.
5. Be friendly and compassionate
You can only protect your children from the internet’s negative side effects by being friendly with them. You shouldn’t be so strict or bossy that your children fear sharing what they have experienced. You can be honest with them, for instance, if they experience cyberbullying, you may allow them to share their experiences. This is the best way to protect your children!
