Internet Safety is Essential for Children with Connected Devices
More and more, our society sees people of all ages utilizing the internet for various purposes, whether to gain information, be entertained, or anything in between. But today, we also see new risks that come with the internet: cyber scams, computer viruses, easily-accessible pornography, and cyber bullying. For many parents, allowing their children online, possibly exposing them to these risks and uncensored content can be scary and intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. The internet can be an essential tool just as it can be a vice for some. Thankfully, there are great ways to ensure your family is getting the most from their technology while hopefully avoiding much of the undesired elements.First and foremost, parents need to become familiar with offered parental settings on various devices. Televisions or cable providers, computers, and phones typically offer parental settings to control the viewable content. This is helpful as it is virtually impossible to watch over everything your child does with your household tech. While you may not be able to control their actions during use, you can at least create a safer place to explore only the fun and informative content you want them to be exposed to. Always be sure to review your permissions periodically, or after a device or application updates, as this could cause your adjusted preferences to reset, potentially without you knowing.It's also strongly advised to have an open discussion with your kids about household technology. Asking and answering questions, making sure your children understand internet boundaries, and determining tech usage time is all a part of ensuring your children know how to safely interact with the world-wide-web. Your children should be able to use the internet as a tool, and you should let them explore accordingly. However, there are extreme dangers that come with letting your kids browse, post, or interact online without guidance, so keep an open dialogue going and be sure to monitor their activity regularly.Unfortunately, the ease of hiding behind a computer screen or anonymous screenname has brought about cyber bullying. Parents should talk with children about establishing internet etiquette, and discuss how damaging these behaviors can be. Cyber bullying can be difficult for those affected to move past and has led to extreme negative effects on mental health. It is easy to post an angry rant, complaint, bad photograph, or “joke” about another person, but not so simple to remove or delete, leaving the potentially damaging content in the digital realm forever. Knowing and understanding their impact will help them think before they act, leading to better decision-making than simply reacting in-the-moment.The internet opens our minds to many extraordinary things and ideas that were not easily accessible beforehand. It's something that has been extremely useful in providing new information and insights, but has not remained impervious to the dangers that lie within our society. Make sure that you are well read and familiar with the safety and privacy features on your devices, and that you and your children also discuss the ways to safely and appropriately interact with the internet. It goes a long way in making your internet access an enjoyable past time and a functional dimension to your household.If you have questions about keeping your child protected online, or any other health concerns, contact us today.
