How to Keep your Child Safe while on the Internet

The Internet is becoming an increasingly important part of modern culture, particularly among children and teenagers, for whom schoolwork, online gaming, and social networking are among the most popular activities. However, the lack of consensus on the best approach to educating and protecting children complicates a child’s online experience and expression. Furthermore, cultural and geographical differences in legal and social norms reflect the fact that there is no universally accepted definition of what constitutes a child or what is appropriate for children, making “inappropriate content and behaviour” difficult to differentiate.

School-going children like using the Internet to watch movies, play games, and stay in touch with friends and family. Additionally, they can be using the Internet for homework and schooling. Computers, mobile phones, tablets, TVs, and other Internet-connected gadgets like toys can all be used for this. School-aged children face more Internet safety hazards than younger children since they are beginning to develop online independence and may utilise unsupervised Internet access. If your child uses the Internet to communicate with others, such as on social media or in games, there are additional concerns. Cyberbullying, cyber predators, sharing personal information, and falling for online scams are among the most common online threats that children face. As a result, allowing children unsupervised Internet access is risky. And, as children grow and develop, they will require additional support and guidance regarding online safety.

However, Internet safety for children is dependent on parents being aware of online risks and knowing how to assist their children in avoiding them. You can shield your child from potentially hazardous or improper content and activities by following some simple, practical Internet safety rules that will be undertaken by the following article and will help you to make the most of the Internet. With this in mind, Empros International School offers the following tips to protect children from digital threats.

Also Read | The Need and Importance of Multi-Potential Learning in the 21st Century

Internet Safety Concerns for Kids 

The four primary online hazards for kids are as follows.

• Content Dangers: These dangers for school-age children include things that they might unintentionally come upon and find unpleasant, repulsive, or otherwise uncomfortable. This may include pornography, depictions of animal cruelty, sexually-oriented video games, and actual or simulated violence.
• Contact Dangers: Youngsters encountering strangers or adults acting as children online are two examples of these concerns. A child might be convinced, for instance, to give out contact information after clicking on pop-up messages or meet up in person with someone they met online.
• Conduct Dangers: Children acting in ways that could harm others or becoming the target of such behaviour are examples of these hazards. A kid might, for instance, ruin a game that a friend, parent or sibling made. Making in-app purchases by accident is another behaviour risk.
• Contract Dangers: Children signing unjust contracts, terms, or conditions that they are unaware of or don’t understand is one of these concerns. Children might, for instance, click a button that permits a company to gather their personal or family information or send them improper marketing messages. Or kids might utilise a toy, software, or device with lax Internet security, leaving them vulnerable to fraud or identity theft.

Tips for Protecting Children from Internet Safety Risks

• Setting a Good Example: Your kid picks up things from you. By using digital media the way you intend for your child to use it now and in the future, you may set an example for safe and healthy Internet usage. For instance, you might avoid using Internet-connected devices in bedrooms and only use technology for helpful things like encouraging friends
• Discussing with your Child: When it comes to appropriate online behaviour, discussing appropriate and inappropriate online behaviour with your child will help your child learn how to stay safe.  For instance, you could tell your child not to do or say anything online that they would not do or say in person. Encourage your child to think before posting photos or comments, and assist your child in avoiding online arguments.
• Using Technology to Keep them Safe: Check that your child’s device has the most recent software and antivirus software, and that privacy settings are enabled. When not in use, keep webcams covered. Parental controls, including safe search, can help keep younger children’s online experiences positive
• Proceed with Caution: Use caution when using free online educational resources. To use these resources, your child should never be required to provide a photo or their full name. To minimize data collection, remember to check the privacy settings. Teach your child the importance of keeping personal information private, especially from strangers.
• Encourage Good Online Behaviour: Encourage and monitor appropriate online and video call behaviour. Encourage your children to be kind and respectful to their classmates, to dress appropriately, and to avoid joining video calls from their bedrooms.
• School Policies and Hotlines: It is essential to learn about school policies and hotlines for reporting cyberbullying or inappropriate online content. As children spend more time online, they are more likely to be exposed to advertisements that promote unhealthy foods, gender stereotypes, or age-inappropriate content. Assist them in recognising online advertisements and take advantage of the opportunity to discuss what is wrong with some of the negative messaging you encounter.
• Enjoy and Express: Allow them to enjoy and express themselves. During this crisis, spending time at home can provide an excellent opportunity for your children to use their voices online to share their opinions and support those in need. Encourage your child to use digital tools that will get them moving, such as online exercise videos for kids and video games that require physical movement. Remember to balance online and offline activities, including time spent outside if possible.

Children of today use the Internet for all of their social interactions. They have developed particular communication patterns that have a big impact on their place in society and how they can exercise their rights.

The Internet offers kids a tonne of chances to have fun, learn, express themselves, and have an impact on decisions—in other words, to exercise their freedom to participate. However, it is also a place where kids are more likely to be exposed to violence, abuse, or exploitation, putting them in danger of having their rights violated, especially their right to be protected and to live in a safe environment, in accordance with their best interests. Rather than restricting Internet use, parents can get involved in their children’s online lives by encouraging them to learn from the Internet or suggesting safe Internet usage.

Parents can help their children develop resilience while also reducing conflict between parent and child by adopting a more positive and supportive attitude. While these are some precautionary measures to keep young minds away from the dark side of the Internet, there is always the risk of falling into this trap. As a result, Empros International School recommends having an open conversation with your child about cyber threats to keep them safe and aware. The collaborative and cooperative approach to learning not only fosters their social well-being but also increases the depth of their emotional and intellectual capacities.

Apply now

In keeping with the commitment to providing students with a holistic education, the curriculum has been designed to keep up with modern sensibilities while inspiring an intrinsic desire to learn.  The EIS curriculum emphasises not only core academics, but also students' intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development. Empros International School strongly supports its vision and mission to deliver holistic development for its students and prepare them for the future.

The school believes that in order to be prepared for the real world, students must go beyond good grades and focus on developing soft skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Check Out: STEAM Learning & Design Thinking: The 2 Sides of the 21st Century Skills Coin