The Spoonie Mummy

Something we have to cover in school with the children that wasn’t a thing back when we were younger, is online safety. And because it isn’t something we have grown up with, knowing how to teach our children to stay safe in a digital world can be really tricky. I was sent this blog post and knew it would be really useful for parent’s like me, trying to navigate this with their kids. I hope it is helpful!

5 Things to Teach Your Child About Online Safety

Today’s generation of kids are raised in a technology-oriented world, and with many of them exposed to gadgets and the internet from an early age, it’s not surprising that many also know their way around the latest tech before they even enter their secondary school years. Although kids can navigate through modern technology with ease, they have yet to learn how to use it properly and mindfully. If they aren’t aware of the dangers of the app or platform they’re using, they’re likely placing their well-being at risk.

The internet, for instance, is filled with harmful websites and malicious individuals—entities that can be difficult to avoid if one isn’t properly educated on the many possible things that can happen online. A lot of children have no idea about the presence of these dangers, and if they happen to stumble upon them, they’re compromising their safety, privacy, and innocence. Therefore, policymakers from around the world have created—and continue to create laws—that are focused on the safety of all online users, be they children or adults.

In Singapore, they have the Online Safety Code, which is designed to mitigate the risks of harmful social media content to the nation’s users, most especially children. It requires Social Media Services to enhance internet safety and curb the spread of harmful content online. Moreover, many educational institutions in the country — whether it’s a public MOE school or a global elementary school in Singapore — offer digital learning and technology classes to teach students responsible use of modern technology and the importance of digital literacy at their age. Apart from these, humanitarian organizations, like UNICEF, continue to partner with government agencies to advocate for necessary online regulations to make the internet a safe place where children can learn, socialize, and express themselves. This ensures that every child gets ample protection from the dangers of the internet.

To further improve internet safety for children, parents can teach their kids how to engage with the different features of the internet. Parents play a pivotal role in a child’s introduction to the online world, as they’re more aware of the things that go on in the digital space. Thus, as a parent, it’s in your best interest to teach your child the following things to keep them safe from the harm the internet may present to them:

Practice Proper Online Etiquette

Just as in the physical world, where polite behavior is expected, the online realm demands a set of manners to foster a positive and respectful environment as well. Online users, no matter their age, are encouraged to engage in respectful and safe online engagement. That’s why teaching your child proper online etiquette is important. By emphasizing the golden rule of treating others online as you would like to be treated, your child will learn that their behavior online goes beyond common courtesy; it also encompasses respecting others’ opinions, avoiding offensive language, and understanding the consequences of one’s digital actions. Moreover, it helps them realize that their positive actions in virtual spaces can greatly contribute to a healthier online community and prepare them for future interactions in the digital age.

Don’t Click or Download Things Too Hastily

One of the fundamental lessons in online safety is teaching children to exercise caution when interacting with online content. Clicking on unfamiliar links or hastily downloading files can expose them to various risks, including malware and phishing attempts. Teaching your child to be discerning online and educating them about the importance of careful online navigation can reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber threats, enhancing their overall online safety as a result.

To help your child differentiate between safe and harmful links and images, teach them to verify the source and legitimacy of the clickable elements of a page For kids who are old enough, the easiest way to do this is to show them that hovering their cursor over a link or image reveals the URL that’s attached to the text or image. If the URL begins with an “https,” then the website it links to is likely to be safe. They can also use a URL checker to check the safety of the URL.

Be Cautious When Visiting Websites and Reading Things Online

Inappropriate content, scams, and misleading information are prevalent online. That’s why instilling a sense of vigilance in your child helps them avoid potentially harmful websites and content. Helping them develop their critical thinking skills and teaching them to be cautious when browsing the internet allows them to evaluate the credibility of the information they’re exposed to in the online realm. For an added layer of security, consider implementing parental control settings to filter and restrict access to age-appropriate content.

Only Accept Friend Requests from People You Know Well

The internet offers your child opportunities for social interaction and strengthens their relationships with their peers through wholesome online connections. However, the internet is filled with strangers who don’t always have your child’s best interest in mind. For this reason, it’s essential to teach your child the importance of vetting those they connect with by encouraging them to check a person’s profile before accepting a friend request. Accepting friend requests from unknown or potentially malicious individuals can lead to privacy breaches and unwanted interactions. To ensure your child’s online safety, emphasize the importance of only accepting friend requests from individuals they know well, reinforcing the value of a trusted online community that prioritizes their well-being

Talk to an Adult if You See Anything That You Don’t Understand or Find Upsetting

Your child should feel comfortable reaching out to you when they encounter content that confuses or upsets them. This practice ensures that they receive the right guidance and support in navigating potentially challenging online experiences. You can also schedule regular check-ins with them to discuss their online activities. This way, you can address any concerns or questions they might have while creating an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences without fear of judgment.

It’s nearly impossible to control the things that are being uploaded and shared online, making the chances of your child stumbling upon harmful online content high. As a parent, your concern for their safety is justified. Fortunately, you can lower their risk and ensure their online security by teaching them the things in this list.