Internet Safety and You
The internet is a powerful tool for learning, communication, and entertainment. But it also comes with dangers that parents need to be aware of. Internet safety is an important topic when it comes to parenting teenagers, as they are often more vulnerable to the risks associated with online activity than younger kids.
Here are some practical steps you can take:
Discuss online safety with your teen.
This is truly the most important step. Maintaining consistent and open communication on topics such as not giving out personal information or being careful of what they post and share online is incredibly important. It doesn't have to come in the form of a sit-down lecture, it can simply be included in regular conversations, introduced little by little.
Teach social and emotional skills.
Make sure your teen understands empathy, consent, understanding and managing their emotions, being okay with rejection, and most importantly, how to say no.
Remind them to be aware of cyberbullying.
If they or someone they know is being bullied, encourage them to report it.
Encourage your teen to use strong passwords.
Having strong passwords for their accounts and keeping their computer updated with the latest security software can help keep your teens information safe.
Monitor your teen’s online activity.
Be aware of what websites they visit, who they communicate with, and any type of content they may be exposed to.
Set clear rules.
It's important to establish rules regarding how much time can be spent online each day and when these times should be.
Install parental control software.
This software can be used to block inappropriate content and restrict access to certain websites.
Talk about online scams and how to identify them.
It's important that your teen knows to not respond to emails asking for personal information or click on suspicious links.
Internet safety can seem like an overwhelming and daunting task, but by taking a few proactive steps, you can help keep your teen safe online. Encourage open conversations with your teen about their online activity and be involved in their online life - it’s the best way to ensure they remain safe while using the internet.
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