How to Talk to Your Child About Online Dangers
Here’s how to get started on teaching your child to make good online decisions and what you can do to keep them safe even when you’re not around.
A world of information and an endless stream of content is readily accessible through devices you can hold in your hand. While the internet can be a wondrous sandbox of knowledge, communication, and entertainment, it also comes with a multitude of hazards which is why it’s important to talk to your kids about the importance of internet safety. Here’s how to get started on teaching your child to make good online decisions and what you can do to keep them safe even when you’re not around.
Familiarize yourself with cyber safety
It’s important to understand the different types of dangers a child can encounter while on the internet before discussing online safety with your children. Dangers can include, inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online predators, phishing, scams, malware, and sharing private information online. The Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information page provides many resources to help you prepare for your talk. Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s important to stay updated on the evolving dangers kids can encounter while online.
Create guidelines when using the internet
Establish a set of rules to help your child understand what’s allowed and what isn’t. Make it clear what type of content is prohibited and remember to express the need for maintaining safety. As they mature, homework assignments may require access to certain pages that may have been prohibited before, so be sure to change and adapt to your child’s needs.
Encourage internet safety at a young age
With tablets and smartphones becoming staple household items, it’s important to start communicating the importance of staying safe while surfing the web. While your child may only have access to certain apps, make sure to discuss certain in-app features such as purchasing additional items, to get them acquainted with the dos and don’ts of app activity.
Use interactive games to help communicate internet safety
If your children do better with hands-on learning, try leaning on interactive tools to help you better explain security concepts. Games can make learning about internet safety fun. Engage them with entertaining games and quizzes to help them understand and practice safe online habits. Here are a few to get you started:
Give them a walkthrough
Examples are key to helping learn important concepts, and online security is no different. The advice can be a lot more memorable if paired with demonstrations and examples. Explore the internet together and talk about what to avoid while online, how to create strong passwords, and what to do if they encounter something dangerous. Don’t cram online safety sessions in one walkthrough but remember to make internet safety a frequent talking point instead.
Tips to share with your kids about online safety
Social Media
- Keep your posts private.
- Check your privacy settings frequently.
- Be mindful of what you share.
- Don't add strangers to your friend’s list.
- Keep your future in mind (things you post online may stay there for years!)
Online predators
- Avoid using suggestive screen names or photos.
- Don’t talk to anyone who is discussing personal topics.
- “Catfishing” - predators can pretend to be children.
- Never arrange to meet with someone you met online.
Cyberbullying
- Don't reply to the bully.
- Block messages from the bully.
- Keep all emails and other messages that the bully sends.
- Report the bullying to a parent or trusted adult.
Tips for parents
- Monitor any time spent on smartphones or tablets.
- Bookmark kids' favorite sites for easy access.
- Know who your child talks to online.
- Check your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
- Find out what, if any, online protection is offered by your child's school or any place where kids could use a computer without your supervision.
- Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.
- Watch for warning signs of a child being targeted by an online predator.
For more information on online security and fraud protection tips, visit our Fraud Protection page. https://www.hughesfcu.org/other/fraud-protection