The Internet can be a fantastic resource for children. It allows them to conduct studies for school reports, engage with teachers and other students, and play interactive games.
However, there are risks associated with online access, such as pornographic content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Predators can impersonate a child or teen looking for a new friend by using apps and websites where children interact. They may press the child to share personal details such as his or her address and phone number, or they may ask children to call them after seeing their phone number on caller ID.
Parents should be mindful of what their children see and hear on the Internet, as well as who they encounter and what personal information they exchange. Talk to your children, use resources to protect them, and keep an eye on what they're doing.
Laws On Internet Security
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal statute that helps protect children under the age of 13 while they are online. It's intended to prevent someone from accessing a child's personal details without first informing and agreeing with the parent.
Before collecting or using a child's personal details, such as a name, address, phone number, or Social Security number, COPPA allows websites to clarify their privacy policy and obtain parental consent. The law also makes it illegal for a website to ask a child for more personal information than is required to play a game or enter a contest.
Online Security Tools
You may use online resources to limit your children's access to adult content and protect them from online predators. Parental control options are available from many Internet service providers (ISPs). You can also get software that helps block access to sites and restricts personal information from being sent online. Other programs can be used to track and control online behavior.
Participating in Online Activities for Children
Teaching your children healthy and respectful online conduct, as well as keeping an eye on their Internet use, is more critical than blocking inappropriate content.
Basic online safety guidelines to share with your children:
Follow your family's laws as well as the rules set out by your Internet service provider.
Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever
Never give out personal details like your address, phone number, or the name or location of your school.
Don't swap passwords and just use a screen name (other than with parents).
Without parental consent and/or supervision, never plan to meet up in person with someone you met online.
Responding to a threatening email, letter, tweet, or text is never a good idea.
Always alert a parent or other trusted adult about any frightening or hurtful contact or conversation.
The following are some basic guidelines for parental supervision:
Spend time online with your children to teach them proper online conduct.
Instead of keeping the machine in individual bedrooms, keep it in a shared area where you can watch and control its use. Keep track of how much time you spend on your phone or tablet.
Make a list of your children's favorite websites for quick access.
Look at your credit card and phone bills for any unusual charges.
Find out whether your child's school, after-school center, friends' houses, or any other location where kids might use a computer without your supervision offers any online defense.
If your child tells you about an unpleasant online exchange, take him or her seriously.
If you're aware of child pornography being sent, used, or viewed online, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678. If your child has obtained child pornography from the Internet, contact your local law enforcement agency or the FBI.
Keep an eye out for signs that a child is being pursued by an online predator. This may involve the following:
long periods of time spent online, particularly at night
You're getting calls from people you don't know, and you're not sure who they are.
uninvited presents that arrive in the mail
when you walk into the room, your child abruptly turns off the computer
Reticence to address online behaviors and isolation from family life
Speak to your children! Maintain an open line of contact with them and make sure they know they can come to you with any online issues.
Teenagers and the Internet
It becomes more difficult to keep track of your children's online activities as they grow older. They are allowed to have a mobile on them at all times. They most likely want — and need — some privacy. This is natural and safe as they become more independent of their parents. If precautions are taken, the Internet will provide a secure "virtual" atmosphere for exploring newfound independence.
Discuss the websites and software that teenagers use, as well as their online experiences. Discuss the risks of engaging with strangers online and warn them that people don't always say the truth online. Explain that passwords are used to protect against identity fraud and other threats. They should never reveal them to anybody, including their boyfriend, girlfriend, or best friend.
Taking an active role in your children's Internet activities ensures that they get the most out of them while avoiding possible risks.
I totally agree with this. Kids nowadays are so exposed with gadgets and stuff. They are losing their chance and the time to genuinely enjoy themselves by doing physical activities and such