Why is online security important?
Kids and teenagers use digital technology for similar daily activities such as staying in touch with classmates through social media, resting, or doing homework. They also utilize the Internet to research various topics, such as school subjects and their favorite television shows.
Because they spend a lot of time online without their parent’s supervision, they must be able to tell the difference between appropriate and inappropriate content on their own. They must also understand how to conduct themselves appropriately online to avoid any dangers that may arise.
5 Internet Safety Tips for Children and Teens
1. Maintain reality
According to research, those who harm others online are frequently the focus of harassment themselves, just as they will be in real life; encourage your kids to prevent the difficulty while being themselves, to be honest, or to treat others with respect.
2. Keep Your Passwords Safe
Never let your children ignore the fact that passwords should not be shared with anyone, including their friends. Most safe passwords are made up of letter and number combinations that do not include names or other easily guessable information. Technology allows your children to place their login information in an envelope or seal it, promising to use it only in an emergency.
3. Maintain Constant Caution
Posting personal details or making inappropriate comments could put children in jeopardy among strangers and friends. It can be difficult to recover a message and image when they are sent or shared. Unlike friendship, a photo spread on that same Internet is eternal. Tell your children that everything people post on social media sites like Facebook and Tumblr becomes public. Everything they want a stranger and perhaps a college adviser to see should be kept private.
4. Keep a Clean Image
It may appear amusing to discuss or share obscene photographs online, but it may result in anything from humiliation between friends to “grooming” by a predator. If your children receive sexual texts or images, they should notify you or any other responsible adult right away. To be on the safe side, you can always make a report to the authorities.
5. Avoid meeting online friends in person
Your kid could be sure that the person with whom they share interests is who they say they are. And if they come face to face, your child could be in grave danger. So why do it? If parents know their children will do so anyway, encourage them to bring a friend and notify you or any other responsible adult of their whereabouts.
Extra parental advice
Keep the laptop or computer in a public or central location.
Advise your children that the Internet or computers permanently record their online activities.
Inform your children that their internet activity should be consistent with their offline behavior. They should not initiate a conversation with a stranger online if they would not do so in person.
The web and social media sites are not always harmful. Nonetheless, it’s always best to choose the path of caution and keep an eye on your children’s Internet usage.
Only use reputable Vermillion internet service providers.
