Kids have a lot of time on their hands during the summer, and in our modern times, many of them spend a good deal of time looking at a phone.
Previous generations did not have a magic piece of glass in their pockets that could connect them to the world, making the job of parents much tougher.
It is extremely crucial to watch closely what your kids are doing on the internet and social media. There are dangers at every turn, especially if they share too much information about themselves with strangers.
In the world of the internet, there are people looking to take advantage of naive children, whether it’s through revenge porn, sex trafficking, extortion, identity theft or worse.
Parents can block this or that, but the most important thing is deciding at what age your child is responsible enough to use online devices. Even the smartest and brightest of children can get caught up in dangerous practices on the internet.
Nemours Kids Health’s tips for internet include:
Never post or trade personal pictures;
Never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location;
Use only a screen name and don’t share passwords (other than with parents);
Never agree to get together in person with anyone met online without parent approval and/or supervision;
Never respond to a threatening email, message, post, or text;
Always tell a parent or other trusted adult about any communication or conversation that was scary or hurtful.
Parents should spend some time online together with kids to make sure they are engaging in safe and appropriate behaviors. Look over their shoulder every now and then instead of them heading off to their rooms alone. Time spent on smartphones or tablets are the most vulnerable times, especially at a young age.
For older teens with their own access to money, it is wise to check your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
With increased use of computers and online tools in schools, our education professionals have worked hard to install safeguards to protect young people and allow them to learn safely. That practice has to be carried through at home, even if there are not specifically programmed firewalls to protect them at all times.
Parenting has to be our firewall, and it’s a message that everyone with children or grandchildren in the 21st Century needs to hear.