Internet Safety for Kids
If there is one thing parents want, it’s for our kids to stay safe! The Internet seems to be a place that isn’t always safe. While you don’t want your kids to be afraid of the Internet, you do want to give them the right tools to keep them safe. Check out these Internet safety tips for kids.
Communication is important
No matter what age your child is, communication is super important. Whether it is your 18-year-old online or your 8-year-old online, make sure they know the rules and what you expect from them on the Internet. Talking to them, instead of letting them roam freely on the Internet is a good thing.
Have your kids sign an Internet safety contract
I have always loved this idea! Now that my kids are getting old enough and can start using the Internet for short periods of time, I am going to make them sign an Internet contract. It basically means they will talk to me if anything seems wrong, not give out personal information, and take the Internet seriously.
Ask before going online
This may not apply to older kids, but in my house my kids need to ask before they go online. This is just a safety precaution we take to ensure the Internet is taken seriously in our home. It is not something my kids take for granted because they know how important of a subject it is.
Don’t give out personal information
This is a given, yet thousands of kids still give out their personal information online. Make this a priority in your home, safety wise. Ensure your kids know not to give out any personal information as it could be detrimental to their safety.
No photos online without parental permission
A lot of kids are starting to understand that once you post a photo online, it is there forever. Kids shouldn’t post photos online without your permission. This may seem petty, but this will help them understand the difference between a good photo and a bad photo.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when talking to your kids about Internet safety. Parents, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for as well.
- Look at your child’s online accounts – If your kids are under your roof, this is not an invasion of privacy, it’s important to make sure they stay safe. Don’t be afraid to physically check text messages as well!
- Talk to your child – Again, nothing is better than talking to your child about Internet safety.
- Appropriate and inappropriate – Almost every adult knows what is appropriate and what is inappropriate to text or put online. However, for most kids, this is a learned matter. Give them examples of what is okay or not okay to post online.
How do you make sure your kids are safe on the internet?
These are great tips to keep children safe whenever they go on the internet. My daughter and her husband have rules set down for my granddaughter when she goes online. I like the idea of having the child sign an internet safety contract. It’s an added step towards teaching her to be safe and being responsible.
Great tips. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for this blog posting! Definitely things that we don’t often think about but should.
Online security is so important. these are great tips!!
It is so important to make sure and watch over kids while on the internet. There are really bad people out there looking for someone to victimize and they are looking for kids! Thanks for these great tips.