The internet is a really useful tool and is an integral part of all of our lives. But it can also be a dangerous and scary place, especially when you are a teen.
Teenagers are naturally curious and that is one of their best traits. But combine this with the wild, wild west that is the internet, and it can become a dangerous situation. There is a wide array of inappropriate and disturbing content out there, which are sexual and violent in nature. Some sites can pose a threat to their privacy and safety if they aren't used correctly.
That is why it is crucial to protect your children from such content when you provide them with access to technology and the net. Here are some ways you can protect their privacy and keep them safe while giving them the liberty to use their devices.
No Phones During Bedtime
During the rest of the day, kids tend to be pretty busy with school, homework, extracurriculars, and more, which prevents them from doing much exploring on their own which goes beyond the usual. However, at nighttime, when they are idle, they are naturally interested in looking up certain things or going to certain websites which isn't the best for them. Especially if they have been told that they aren't supposed to be visited. Ask your kids to give them their phone before bedtime, or set a curfew after which they cannot use their phones. This rule can be changed and lifted as they get older, but during the teenage years, this can help protect them from inappropriate content.
Keep A Check On Who They Are In Contact With
Things are not how they used to be a decade or so back. For instance, earlier, your friends were people you met and hung out with every day. But nowadays, with the power of the internet and social media, you can have friends and relationships with people who live on a different continent. While this isn't a bad thing, it can become dangerous if you aren't careful and get carried away, which is always a risk with teenagers. Keep a check on who your children are chatting with and be aware of their contacts. You can easily see someones Facebook messages or WhatsApp texts, and it won't require much effort on your part. If your children are too overprotective of their phones, it can be a cause of concern.
Use Parental Controls
Features like parental controls and protective browsing can be really useful when it comes to monitoring the kind of content that your children access. These features essentially prevent certain websites, that are known to contain adult content that is inappropriate for children, from being opened. With features like these, you don't have to worry about constantly hanging around near your kids when they use the internet and monitor them closely. These systems exist in almost every kind of device, whether it's a PC or a mobile phone, as well as on every type of web browser. So you don't have to worry about whether you'll find this feature or not.
Teach Them About Online Safety
Of course, one of the best ways to ensure that your kids learn how to be safe online is to teach them about online safety. In a way that is comfortable for both you and them, let them know about the possible dangers of talking to a stranger on the internet or accessing and posting inappropriate content. If your kids are in their mid-teens, you can be candid with them and be frank about what can be the consequences of sharing your personal information online. This will build trust between both parties, and also make them more comfortable sharing their experiences with you.
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