With schools closed and lockdowns imposed, many children and young people are spending more time online doing schoolwork, playing games, and socializing with friends. However, more time spent on the internet and social media can make children more vulnerable to cyberbullying, sexual predators and other forms of online harm. These risks can come not just from strangers but people they may already know on or offline, making monitoring online use vital. Here are some tips to keep your kids safe online.
- Set and agree on screen time rules for time spent on homework, chatting with friends and playing games.
- Talk to your child about how to make safe choices about who they talk to online,
- Tell them that you’re available to listen if they are worried about anything they experience online.
- Teach respectful communication
- Use online safety tools.
- Ensure your child’s devices have the latest software updates and anti-virus programs, and the privacy settings are set on high.
If you are concerned about your child’s health and safety online, talk to your healthcare practitioner or a licensed professional counselor for guidance.
For more information, visit: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/protecting-kids-online
Original source https://blog.healthadvocate.com/2020/05/keeping-kids-safe-online/