Discover how you can help your child make the best of all the good things the internet and digital technologies have to offer, while ensuring they are safe against harm.
Set clear rules
Here, the key is to have honest conversations with your children about what they are doing online.
It is important that your child understand what their digital footprint is and what it can do to them: explain that anything that goes online – pictures, videos, comments, things they share with others and what others post and share with them and about them – leaves behind a trail of information about them. It is therefore important that they remain mindful about what they do and say online.
Don't be afraid to set some clear rules: discriminatory or inappropriate contact is never acceptable. Spreading rumous or sharing hurtful or embarrassing stories about others is never ok. The watchword here is "think before you post": would you like such comment to be posted if it were about you? What will your friends think of your action?
Your child should always feel that they can talk to you: If they experience something online that makes them feel upset or uncomfortable, they should always feel like they can tell you or a trusted adult immediately.
Ultimately, work with your child to establish rules on how, when and where to use devices, and aim to reach a positive agreement that satisfies everyone as much as possible.
Technology is here to help them
Today's devices can be extremely helpful to help you protect your children. You want to check and ensure that their devices are always up to date, and that privacy settings are all turned on and configured to limit data collection to a strict minimum.
Understanding which information is private and how to protect these is important. Through discussions, you want to see your child aware of what their digital footprint is and capable of keeping private information in checks to avoid problems.
Make an extensive use of the parental controls and other safety measures implemented across devices and broadband. At Rebel Internet, our HomePass application offers advanced Parental Controls for kids at home. Check out our Parental Controls section to learn about features and their benefits.
And as always, try to be available any time your child has a question. Not sure about this website asking for personal information? Guide them to assess if the website is safe and secure, or if it represents a danger.
Stand by them in their online lives
Your child should definitely have some online time alongside yours to further learn the do's and don't of the digital world. Adding them to family groups and interacting with other trusted individuals together is always beneficial in teaching them kindness, empathy through virtual interactions. If you're a model in these values, there is a fair chance your child will follow you and adopt the same positive attitude.
Being online requires some critical thinking: help your child recognize and stay clear of misinformation and disinformation, age-inappropriate content and content that can potentially cause anxiety or harm. Show them the trusted sources and platforms.
Children can be exposed to advertising that may promote unhealthy foods, gender stereotypes or age-inappropriate material. Your role is to help them distinguish advertising from other types of content, and to empower them against misleading or hurtful types of advertising.
And of course, spend time with your child to identify age-appropriate apps, games and other online entertainment.
Highlight and personify healthy online habits
Your child will only show empathy and courteous habits if you are doing so yourself. Be mindful of the example you set and what you share online about your child, including their photos and videos.
Being kind online is not a bad thing. Encourage your child to show such attitudes, even though the online world can make them feel irrelevant. Being mean or aggressive is never the solution!
If they have classes online, encourage them to be respectful of others and to be mindful of what can be seen on camera to maintain privacy.
Learn to detect if your child appears to be upset or secretive with online activities. Reassure them here: experiencing abuse or harassment is never their fault and let them know they can always talk about this with you.
Secure their fun and let them express themselves
We have seen many recommendations on rules and safeguards, but let's not forget that spending time online can be a formidable opportunity for your children to develop their knowledge and creativity. When used the right way, the online world can greatly help them make their educated opinion and become an educated individual of great value to the world.
Encourage your child to use resources on the internet to help them get up and get moving, from videos to games, the resources are all there and easily accessible.
And remember to balance online activities with an active lifestyle and offline recreation for a healthy balance in all aspects of life.