Engage in Open Dialogues: Sit down with your child to explore the apps they use. Understand how these apps work and ask if they've encountered problems like cyberbullying or unsolicited contact from strangers. It’s crucial to discuss the potential dangers of online interactions and foster a trusting environment where your child feels comfortable discussing online experiences and concerns with you.
Guard Personal Information
Educate your children about what counts as personal information (e.g., name, address, phone number, social security number, school details). Stress the importance of not sharing their or their parents' personal information online without explicit parental consent.
Age-Appropriate Use
Explain why some apps have age restrictions and assess whether an app is suitable for your child, even if they meet the age requirement. Encourage use that is appropriate for their maturity level.
Open Communication
Reassure your children that their safety is your top priority and that they should feel comfortable reporting anything online that makes them feel uneasy, scared, or suspicious.
Access and Oversight
Keep yourself informed by having access to your child’s device passwords and unlock codes. This allows you to monitor their activities and ensure they are navigating online spaces safely.
Device Management
Recommend that devices be used and charged in common areas of the home, and not allowed in your child’s bedroom, especially overnight. This helps prevent unsupervised internet use.
Educate and Empower
Spend time teaching your children how to stay safe online. Lay the groundwork for recognizing unsafe online behaviors and reinforce the importance of talking to you or another trusted adult, regardless of what they might be told online.
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