School’s out, routines are relaxed, and kids will be diving headfirst into the online world this summer. From gaming with friends to enjoying educational content to connecting through social media, a broadband internet connection can be the gateway to endless fun and learning. But with these opportunities come potential risks, and it’s important to equip kids with the tools they need to stay safe online.
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That’s why we created this guide for parents: to share practical internet safety tips for kids and parents who are navigating the digital landscape this summer break. Up ahead, we’ll talk about some of the most important things you should know to keep your kids safe online during the long days of summer.
Setting Rules and Boundaries Online
The number one cornerstone of internet safety for kids is setting clear boundaries around acceptable internet use. Start by establishing daily screen time limits that work for your family, whether that means a set number of hours per day or a time-based schedule. These limits can be flexible and adjusted as needed based on your child’s age and how they enjoy using the internet, but they need to be intentional and defined from the start.
Beyond time limits, define what activities are acceptable online. Talk about which websites, apps, and games are appropriate and how to use them safely. For example, if your child loves online multiplayer gaming, discuss how to block and report bullies and anyone else who makes them uncomfortable. Explain why certain content might be off-limits, and explore the game’s parental controls to ensure you have the ability to enforce your boundaries.
Supervising Online Activities
Active supervision is key to keeping your kids safe online. Parental control software can offer valuable tools for monitoring your child’s internet activity. These software tools allow you to set filters for inappropriate content, limit screen time on specific apps or websites, and even get alerts when your child searches for risky terms.
It’s also recommended to keep family computers in shared spaces like the living room or kitchen, and encourage kids to use tablets or phones there, too. This makes it easier to casually check in on their activities without being overtly invasive. Make a habit of regularly reviewing your child’s browser history and app usage. If you notice your teen spending hours on a new social media app, take the time to explore it together and talk about potential risks and benefits. The more open your communication, the faster you’ll be able to pick up on something that’s headed in a risky direction.
Educating Your Kids About Online Safety
You can’t supervise at every second, and so the ultimate goal is to empower kids to make smart decisions online. These are some of the most important topics to cover:
- Oversharing: Explain why it’s important to keep personal information like their full name, address, and school locked down when they’re online.
- Cyberbullying: Teach kids to recognize the signs of cyberbullying, both as a victim and a bystander. Make sure they know they can come to you or another trusted adult to report cyberbullying if they see it.
- Misinformation: Help kids develop a healthy skepticism towards online information and sources. Teach them to question the validity of content and verify information before sharing it.
- Digital Footprint: Discuss how a person’s online actions and posts can leave a lasting digital footprint that could impact their future.
- Strangers: Emphasize the importance of limiting interaction with strangers online and never agreeing to meet someone they met online in person.
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Encouraging Healthy Online Behavior
When kids have a good sense of what’s OK and what’s not, the internet can be an incredibly valuable tool for learning and connecting. These strategies will help guide your kids toward a positive online experience:
- Explore educational resources: Introduce them to websites and apps that offer educational content, games, and activities. Many online platforms provide interactive educational experiences that can spark their curiosity and encourage independent learning.
- Engage in safe online communities: Encourage kids to participate in online communities and forums that focus on their interests and hobbies. These spaces can provide a sense of belonging, collaboration opportunities, and a platform for shared learning — although it’s crucial to do some research first to verify that the communities are age-appropriate and well-moderated.
- Balance screen time with offline activities: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Push kids to pursue hobbies, spend time with others face-to-face, and engage in outdoor physical activity. That doesn’t mean forcing them to participate in things they have no interest in, but a little nudge outside the comfort zone can pay big dividends.
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Staying Informed and Connected
The digital landscape never stops evolving, so parents should make it a priority to stay informed and engaged with what’s going on. Here are some of the key strategies:
- Stay up-to-date: Make an effort to learn about the latest apps, games, and social media platforms popular among kids. It can be easy to miss these when they’re not something you’d look at yourself, but staying up on them will give you key clues about what your child might be exposed to online.
- Open communication: Have regular conversations with your child about their online experiences. Ask them about the websites they visit, the games they play, and the friends they interact with online. Practice active listening and take a genuine interest in their world.
- Seek support and resources: Be proactive about seeking advice and support from online safety organizations, parenting forums, or simply from other parents. These platforms can provide valuable information and tools to keep your kids safe — as well as being a valuable source of commiseration from parents who are on the same journey.
- Prioritize high quality internet: Kids with a slow connection at home sometimes venture out to seek faster — but potentially less secure — internet service elsewhere. Run an internet speed test to ensure your home internet connection is fast and reliable enough to support your child’s online activities. Consider upgrading to a fiber internet plan for a smoother experience, especially if multiple devices are in use.
By taking a proactive approach to online safety, you can empower your kids to enjoy the benefits of the internet while minimizing potential risks. Guiding and supervising them now will pay off by creating independent kids with the power of discernment that will help them stay safe as they move through life.
