The Internet is an incredible place for children, allowing them to be creative, play games, communicate with their friends, and participate in a variety of other enjoyable activities. Crime and criminals, however, are ubiquitous on the internet, and some of them prey on youngsters. During the summer break, it is common for your children to spend extended periods of time on their computer or iPad.
How can you safeguard your children from these threats? What can you do to ensure that your children use the Internet safely, responsibly, and with respect for others?
Before they use the Internet, have a conversation with your child and discuss these points making sure they clearly understand:
1. Be fair with your pals. Consider the internet world an extension of the real world. Involve your friends in discussions and online games. Exclusion from these activities can be painful. Additionally, watch what you write, as written words are readily misconstrued. Crucial topics, such as conflict resolution, should be reserved for in-person interactions with friends.
2. Show respect towards others. Appreciate your social media interactions. Verify with your friends before posting images of them online. Consider how people may feel after viewing your posts.
3. Consider your digital imprint. Everything you upload online, be it word, a photo, or a humorous video, will be online forever. Always share something that you would be comfortable with your grandmother viewing.
4. Carefully consider what you put online. Sharing your ideas on social media might appear to be a wise decision. Nonetheless, use caution while sharing good, or bad, information. Being furious and shouting about a certain issue may make you feel good in the moment, but it might have bad implications. Always keep in mind that other people's sentiments might be offended by your comments.
5. Be mindful of who you are speaking with. Online communication with friends and family is a terrific method to stay in contact. Keep in mind, though, that it is always possible that you might be speaking with a stranger. Individuals may not be who they claim to be. Always keep the conversation generic and avoid personal matters. If you feel that someone is asking too many personal questions, you should quit the conversation and consult with a competent adult. Never, ever arrange to meet an internet acquaintance.
6. Constantly safeguard your identity. When using the Internet, refrain from disclosing personal information. Avoid revealing your home address, school, and parents. Adjust your social network privacy settings so that only your friends and family may read your postings.
7. Remember that it is not real life. Stop comparing yourself or your life to internet, social media, or other portrayals. This might cause you to feel discouraged about your own life. Or, you may be making a comparison to someone's fairy tale.
Seldom do photographs and videos posted online accurately depict a person's actual life. They select the photographs they wish to share. These photographs make their lives appear ideal, but they do not tell the complete story.
The internet may be a hazardous place, as it is populated with those who seek to exploit others. If your children follow these recommendations, they may enjoy themselves while while being safe.
