3 Internet Safety Habits For Kids

How can you keep your kids safe online? It's a frequent issue since all parents want their kids to be safe and happy online. Keeping an eye on the little ones as they enjoy the Disney Jr site is easy, but as youngsters get older and more self-reliant, the hazards rise.

You've definitely heard of ‘cyber safety,' but it extends beyond just talking to strangers. With the internet's development and seamless integration into our lives, the focus must be on established behaviors. That means giving your kids the tools and pre-programmed responses to internet events so they don't put themselves (or your family) in danger. Easy to establish with three essential understandings:

Downloads Are Out

Most youngsters can't identify a legal download from a fraudulent link. It's not their fault; the internet can fool even the most informed adult. The difference is that youngsters don't take the time to double-check the link's location, challenge its validity, or even read what they're committing to. They want to get back to what they were doing, so if something shows up, they click ‘yes' to dismiss it. Sadly, that one ‘yes' may have just allowed spyware and viruses onto their machine. Make it a family rule to never click a popup and to always seek permission before downloading. When asked to approve a download or check a popup, explain what you're doing and why. Encourage your youngster to participate in this process as they get older.

Critical Thinking Is a Must

Most kids think the internet is fantastic and can't live without it. The internet is as vital to them as breathing! With that acceptance comes the steadfast belief that the internet will never lie, trick, or injure them. Adults know better, but only because we already distrust the internet. The greatest method to keep kids safe online is to educate them to think critically. That includes educating children to question others' motivations online. Is that individual a child? What do they desire? Regrettably, predators utilize the internet to target and attract youngsters. Ensure your kids alert you if a stranger contacts them. Teach them to recognize suspicious behavior and what to avoid. If they find something offensive, they should stop using the computer and come to you.

The Internet Endures

Kids are compelled to contribute to the internet, whether it be through video, chat, or social media. The world is indeed their oyster! They don't realize that whatever they post, write, or say is permanent on the internet until they're burnt. Even if they delete it or utilize a platform that self-destructs content, it might be screenshotted and resent. This type of reprisal is frequent in cyber-bullying instances. Your kids will be more reflective if they realize what they share is permanent.

Conclusion

I often write about business-related cyber topics like IT policy or ITSM processes for ITSM Rhino, but I also like writing about user issues.

Thank you for reading and commenting. That would be wonderful!