Trying to completely cut off children from the internet is pointless because our world relies on electronic devices like computers, phones, and tablets that connect to it.
Instead, we should encourage kids to think about how they use the internet.
This means not only considering how much time they spend online but also being aware of what they’re doing and seeing on the internet.
Sometimes, adults may not fully understand what’s happening online because of generational differences, how fast things change on the internet, and busy schedules.
That’s why we’ve put together tips to help parents guide their children to use the internet wisely and safely.
Read also: How to Help a Child Who is Being Bullied (5 Easy Things To Do)
Let’s go now!
1. Know what’s popular with kids
Have you ever wondered what kids like these days?
Try to figure out what catches their attention and check out some of the things they enjoy to understand their world better.
Remember, just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s suitable for kids.
When you know this, you can have meaningful conversations with your children about things that might be concerning to them.
2. Ask about your children’s interests online
Ask your children about what they like to watch or do on the internet.
Show interest in their hobbies like cartoons, shows, movies, and games.
While parents often watch children’s shows with their kids when they’re young, this can continue as they grow older.
By staying involved in their interests, you strengthen your connection, and they’ll know you care about what they find exciting.
This makes them more likely to share internet trends and topics with you.
3. Teach your children not to share private information
Make it clear to your children that personal information should not be shared, especially with strangers.
Names, addresses, current location, as well as photographs with references to where they live and the school where they study, unnecessarily expose the child and put them at risk.
4. Teach children about what is considered appropriate
Give your children a lesson about what they can find on the internet, teaching them to recognize content that is inappropriate for their age.
Of course, it is necessary to use softer language when discussing serious topics with children.
But be sure to guide them.
If you don’t want your children to watch a violent series on a streaming program, for example, explain to them why rather than just banning them.
Children appreciate it when parents are transparent with them.
They understand their parents’ intentions better when things are said out than when prohibitions are made “for no reason.”
5. Encourage children to come to you when they have problems or questions
Encourage your children to talk to you whenever they encounter a problem or have questions about content they found on the internet.
Make an effort to understand what it is all about so you can guide them accordingly.
It is important to have an understanding and patient attitude to always leave the door of communication open for children.
When parents give harsh answers or impose unreasonable prohibitions, the child feels discouraged and tries not to repeat the mistake of talking about it again.
So, make smart choices based on what the situation needs.
6. Create a habit of chatting online
Share the internet stuff you enjoy with your family to promote open conversations.
Share funny things you find online, whether through a smartphone or talking, and encourage your kids to do the same.
As teenagers grow, they often become more private, but if you establish the habit of discussing internet stuff when they’re young, they’re likely to keep sharing as they get older.
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Dangers of The Internet for Children
What should parents worry about when it comes to children and the internet?
The risks that little ones are exposed to are many and, at times, sneaky.
Parents should know them to guide their children according to the reality of the cyber world.
Here are the dangers of the internet on children:
1. Grooming: Grooming is when someone, often an adult, tries to manipulate a minor online to form a relationship with them or to get them to do sexual things.
2. Sexual exploitation: Sexual acts committed against children via the internet, such as asking for inappropriate photographs or videos.
3. Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is like regular bullying, but it happens on the internet.
It can be through messages on chat apps or social networks.
Some kids might create hurtful nicknames, reveal secrets or embarrassing pictures, and chase, and tease others.
4. Exposure to inappropriate content: Kids can sometimes find violent or sexual stuff online, made by influencers or bad actors.
Sometimes, other kids might even encourage each other to watch this kind of content.
5. Publication of personal information: Kids are often more likely to share personal information like their name, address, or other details with people they don’t know, especially if those people pretend to be friends or family, or are involved in online scams.
6. Sexual extortion: Blackmail or threats carried out by adults against minors through intimidating messages and fraud.
Typically, they ask children to send images or videos of a sexual nature.
Read also: The Right Age To Start Teaching Your Kids Sex Education (With Practical Examples)
Relationship of Parents and Children With The Internet
The vast majority of parents know that the internet teaches their children a lot.
When they start saying different things than usual at home or engaging in behaviors never seen at school, they suspect they learned this “elsewhere”.
Because of this, they tend to limit the time their children dedicate to the Internet.
But what about the content?
Children’s content is typically easy to spot because it’s colorful, has music, is fun, and makes kids feel happy.
Online, parents can discover entertaining and educational videos for kids on platforms like YouTube and streaming services that offer cartoons.
But that’s not always what the child is interested in.
Parents are often unaware of what is popular among kids, so they don’t know exactly the nature of the content their children are consuming.
Because they are more familiar with technological tools, children can search for content on other platforms and social networks without adults noticing, finding things that are not so cool for their age.
There is yet another issue: conversations about dance, comedy, and influencer videos aimed at children tend to be common among peer groups and classmates.
Even if parents place restrictions on what their child can or cannot see, they will eventually have contact with that through other people.
Kids, and even teenagers, don’t always see things the same way adults do.
They can take in stuff that’s not suitable for their age or misunderstand things like situations, conversations, attitudes, or content.
Depending on what they’re exposed to, this might lead to emotional issues later on.
Conclusion
This article has shown you how to guide your children through the internet.
If you can’t help them, find a children’s counselor who can help you navigate through this process.
Remember, don’t be hard on your children, they are still growing up and they need adequate guidance from you.