There are plenty of ways for kids to access the online world. From phones, computers, to even video game consoles, almost every gadget today can connect to the internet. With free WiFi easilyavailable, accessing the internet is no longer only for the rich.
An Endless Online Adventure
There are many things to do in this ever-expanding virtual world. People can talk to others, play video games, watch videos, or even listen to music. With all these things you can do, it is very common for someone with access to the internet to be on it most of the time.
Girls may often spend a lot of time on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Boys on the other hand can spend hours playing online video games. In these platforms, children can meet countless strangers of all age groups. The question becomes – can you trust the entities interacting with your children online?
Here are some tips to keep your kids safe on the online world.
Downloads and Uploads
When it comes to online escapades, two things should be on top of a parent’s priority – what they download, and what they upload.
The online world is a very massive landscape filled with all sorts of interesting places. However, not all of them are good. Downloading (without knowing what you are doing) can lead to viruses and other malware entering your devices. These malware can steal your information, slow down your device, or even make it unusable.
Teach your children about the dangers of downloading from suspicious sites, opening unknown files, and clicking links. While these may sound very simple instructions, it can save you the hassle of dealing with malware. Avoiding these malicious sites can also prevent issues such as data theft.
Mind What You Share
Uploads can also be an issue, especially for teenagers. The current social culture makes it very easy to pressure people into sending nudes online. Through messaging apps, social media hubs, or file sharing sites, a photo can spread without the person’s consent. Other information that can cause trouble when uploaded includes credit card information and personal info (names, addresses, etc.).
Monitoring these two can save you and your children plenty of trouble. Teaching them to know the severity of importance in what they share online can also help. Remember – once it is on the internet, it is nearly impossible to erase it completely.
