The internet can be a great thing for kids. It can help them to learn and interact, play games and be entertained. But as we all know, there’s a dark side to the internet, and teaching your kids about online safety is important. The sooner you take a look at resources like this broadbandsearch guide to start teaching them to stay safe online, the better, and it will help them both now and in the future.
Take a look at some internet safety tips you can use to help your kids learn about online security and enjoy peace of mind when they spend time online.
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Discuss internet safety early
As soon as your kids start using the internet, whether on a phone or a computer, you should talk to them about how to use their devices safely. Sit down with them as they’re using the computer and explain things like passwords, what’s safe to do and what’s not safe, and help them to practice good habits when they’re online. Talking about internet safety should be an ongoing process, and you can widen the conversation as your kids get older.
Protect them from the beginning
Putting protective measures in place can help you provide additional protection to your kids, ensuring that they don’t stumble upon anything they shouldn’t accidentally, or even mistakenly download a virus. Family Orbit is a fantastic parental control app that can help you set parameters for your kids, keep an eye on their online activities as well as track their location. It’ll help you feel at ease as they spend time online and helps ensure safer browsing for the whole family. Ensure all of your devices have the right parental controls, and don’t forget to monitor things regularly – the internet changes all the time and it’s important that you stay up to date with what’s going on.
Limit their time online
Kids spending too much time watching TV used to be a big concern for parents, now the worry has shifted to spending too much time online. By setting rules and boundaries, you can help to keep your kids’ time online to a sensible amount, and make sure that they don’t lose touch with the real world. Encourage them to take up other activities like sports, reading and creative hobbies. Spending time together as a family enjoying travel and days out can help them to realize that there’s more to life than what they see on screen, allowing you to create some great memories together.
Teaching your kids about online safety can help them learn in a way that is safe and gives them confidence, as well as boosting your confidence too. There are plenty of things you can do to empower your kids to be safe online, starting from a young age. Be open and honest and let them ask questions – it’s a good way for them to learn and to satisfy their curiosity. You should also be vigilant about their activity and intervene when something doesn’t sit right. The internet can be an amazing thing, so make sure you teach your kids to use it right.
