How To Keep Your Child Safe Online

The internet is an international information network linking computers from all around the globe, which means it can be a wealth of information. Unfortunately, it can also be a serious concern for many parents whose children surf the net, chat with friends or enjoy sharing photos. Because the internet can be a terrific educational resource, however, many families are logging on to the world wide web in hopes of promoting knowledge in the minds of their little one. If you want to know how to keep your child safe during his/her trip into cyberspace, keep the following tips in mind:

Teach your child the importance of privacy. It’s important that your child learn early about protecting his/her information online. This includes a full name, address or even daily schedule, none of which should be disclosed to anyone on the internet. Additionally, make sure that your child knows to tell you immediately if he/she is asked to meet anyone from the internet.

Talk to your child about his/her online interests. If a parent takes the time to talk with their child, they are much more likely to learn about what’s happening in his/her life. If your child is online, make sure that you know what he/she is doing and the websites that are being visited. You can always make surfing the net a fun way for you and your child to spend time together, which will give you extra time to bond with your youngster while also keeping a close eye on his/her activities.

Use parental controls. You can restrict your child’s activities online to only those that are appropriate for his/her use. For instance, you can prevent your child from visiting certain websites by setting up parental controls.

Create a ‘no photos’ rule. If your child is online, it’s a good idea to require that he/she asks your permission before sending a photo to anyone. Better yet, you can set a rule that says you will be in charge of sending any photos via e-mail to ensure they are sent to appropriate people, such as relatives who live in another state or close friends of the family. This will prevent your little one from sending photos to perfect strangers.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional advice relating to online safety. If you have concerns or wish to restrict your child’s access during his/her time on the internet, consult the owner’s manual that accompanied your computer for instructions on how to set up parental controls.