Children’s Online Privacy Teach them to be Responsible for Their Lives

It seems like almost everything we do now involves the internet in one way or another: whether we’re chatting with friends on Facebook, sharing pictures on Instagram, playing video games with people from around the world, or finding information for a school project, we do it all online. But parents aren’t the only ones who are doing everyone online these days, it’s also the children. So how can we make sure that children are being safe and responsible while engaging in online activities?

1. Don’t Talk to Strangers

This is something that we have all heard since we were little, and it still holds true today; in fact, nowadays it may be even more imperative to stress this to children. It’s important to talk to children about the dangers of chatting with people online. You need to let them know that the internet is the perfect opportunity for people to lie about who they are, and it happens all the time.

Talking with your kids about strangers, talking to people online, and the overall dangers of being on the internet is essential to children’s online privacy. Be real with them! Let them know all of the horrible things that have happened- and could happen- if they aren’t careful while being on the net. They may think it’s just an innocent game between a few gamers sharing information, but they need to know that it could also be a dangerous predator on the other side of the headset, ready to do something traumatic. 

You will want to let your kids know that it’s okay to have fun on the internet, though. You don’t want to scare them so badly that they are completely paranoid of using the web. Instead, discuss the dangers of being online and how they can avoid becoming a victim- and that’s what we’re going to discuss in the next few points.

2. Don’t Give Out Personal Information

The easiest and BEST way to ensure that your child is safe online is to stress to them to NEVER reveal personal information. There should never be any information available or told to strangers at any point in time. Anything beyond a first name is far too much information to share with someone on the internet. In fact, you may even want to suggest to your child that using a nickname is a great idea. This will keep them even safer from predators.

Let you child know that people will ask them for personal information whether they are a predator or not. Think about it, some kids just really enjoy gaming together and think that sending each other phone number to text about the next play is no big deal. However, this could potentially be a predator that starts harassing your child. That being said, make sure your child is aware that they should NEVER hand out personal information, including their name, phone number, address, where they go to school- anything. Ensure that they keep all conversations to strictly be about the game they’re playing.

3. Ensure Their Profiles are Private

Kids might not be as savvy at using social media profiles as an adult, so they may not be aware of how to secure their profiles so nothing personal is available to just anyone. That being said, if you’re going to allow your child to have a social media account, you need to regulate it. Not only should you be checking out who is adding them and what they are doing on their account, but you should also ensure their profiles are as locked down as humanly possible. Nothing beside their name should show up on their account, and a last name should be disguised as to not reveal too much info.

4. Block Certain Websites

If you’re worried about your child getting onto websites you’re not comfortable with, then use the blocking feature. You can quickly and easily setup parental blocks on cell phones, computers, and other electronic systems so you’re child is unable to reach certain websites that are not appropriate for children.

Utilizing parental blocks is a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to children’s privacy and safety on the internet. You see, children can easily stumble onto websites that are riddled with adults that can easily prey on kids. By making these websites inaccessible to kids, you get rid of potential problems regarding safety and privacy. 

5. Be There to Answer Questions

In a world that is overrun by electronics and the internet, children can become quite overwhelmed and confused at how to treat their online lives. They don’t know how to keep their privacy online and may have a lot of questions regarding personal safety and responsibility while using the internet. That being said, you need to make sure you’re there to answer questions for your child.

Let your child know that you’re there for them with any questions and concerns they may have. At some point, your child may come to you with a problem that is rather serious regarding their safety, and instead of letting them deal with this problem on their own, they should feel comfortable coming to their parents for help.

Having a fluid relationship with your child where they are comfortable coming to you with their questions and problems can resolve a lot of problems that may occur. Be there for your child and let them feel completely safe asking you any questions they may have regarding safety and privacy online.

Thinking about your child being on the internet can be daunting and overwhelming, knowing the potential problems that can arise with online use. However, be educating children on online privacy and responsibility we can reduce the possibility of our children become prey to predators. Be there for your child, educate them, and allow them to add comments and ask questions as much as possible to ensure their overall safety while being on the internet. 

Aigerim Berzinya is the Marketing Director at Turtler GPS Ltd. and as the company’s globetrotting backpacker uses the app while hiking abroad or in the mountains to stay connected and safe. She has Master`s Degree in Social Sciences. Her hobby is playing piano, hiking and reading books.