As a parent, you may have considered buying your children a smartphone for communication and safety purposes. Additionally, a smartphone can serve as an educational tool when used responsibly, as numerous apps are available that enable kids to learn or practice specific subjects.
Children own their own devices as early as 5, according to Ofcom research. They use messaging services the most, as well as play online games ― however, experts are concerned about their social media use. Children under 13 use apps like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram, even though this may breach the age limit, potentially putting them at risk.
While the issue requires a multifaceted approach, children must be wary of the dangers lurking in the online world, and your guidance as a parent is essential to build their cyber resilience, especially since younger generations are increasingly tech-savvy. So, here's how to help them.
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Teach them the value of a strong password
Regardless of the apps or websites they visit, kids must know about the importance of a strong password. You can encourage them to create unconventional passwords by using their imagination, and always remind them to never share them with others, including friends or family members.
However, using a password generator with 12 characters can also be helpful in strengthening their account's security, as it provides endless customization options for random passphrases. For a higher level of safety, using a password manager ensures your kids have access to their accounts at all times.
Explain the difference between a safe and a corrupt website
Searching for information online isn't inherently unsafe, but it is possible for kids to access websites that appear suspicious. That's because the fraudsters behind them know how to lure users in, such as offering them free stuff, which children may easily fall for.
It's ideal to show your kids some examples of websites they shouldn't access or stay on too long, as they show the following signs:
- Typos and poor design;
- Many pop-ups and links to click;
- Promises of prizes or free access to certain events;
Clarify why they should avoid talking to strangers
Predators and manipulators are specialised in luring kids to chat with them by being friendly and pretending to understand them. Unfortunately, children may open up to strangers online, especially if they have low self-esteem, are unaware of online risks, and lack guidance and supervision.
Besides talking them through, taking extra precautions does no harm. This involves using parental control apps or software that can help you filter inappropriate content or block access to unsafe websites. This is essential, as younger kids may still not understand the issue with talking to strangers online, even if it's about children their own age on gaming servers.
Educate them to question everything they see
The fact that the internet is free for everyone is like a double-edged sword. That's because kids tend to be naïve (but even adults are easily deceived), so they might follow advice from corrupt users online, as well as believe what some of their idols say (gamers, singers, influencers).
While it may be too advanced for kids to evaluate trustworthy sources or identify misinformation, it's best to reinforce the idea of what should be trusted online. It's also ideal to lead by example, meaning taking your information from reliable websites and avoiding the pitfalls of social media posts.
Encourage them to open up to you
Sometimes, kids hesitate to talk to their parents about their concerns, whether they don't know how to articulate them or are afraid of being grounded. However, you can earn their trust by listening to them, asking the right questions, and avoiding overhelping, as kids must learn to be responsible and aware early on.
If they are bullied online or encounter inappropriate content that affects them, they should not be afraid to express their feelings to you. Therefore, try to form a genuine relationship with your kid, so they don't feel compelled to hide uncomfortable things.
But how can I make them not want to stay online so much?
While it is difficult to stop kids from wanting to spend time online, setting healthy limits and enriching their real life can contribute to a better relationship with social media. For example, you can curate their social media feed by limiting content that would be inappropriate or increasing their screen time. Taking frequent breaks from devices every day is also essential, and setting reasonable expectations early on (and sticking to them) builds a strong foundation for online safety.
Moreover, ensuring their offline lives are more engaging is also a good tip. Of course, this should be adapted to the child's personality (you wouldn't want an introvert kid to be forced to social activities). That being said, here are some great activities for different characters:
- Extrovert kids might love theatre, team sports, or even becoming a scout;
- Introvert children may prefer drawing, board games, or solo sports, like rollerblading;
Protecting your kid goes beyond social media use
Teaching children how to use the internet safely is a pressing matter, considering we live in a rapidly developing world where technology is becoming increasingly indispensable. The future of social media will include more artificial intelligence, social listening, and even content experimentation. Unfortunately, we are all aware that newer technology tools can also lead to increased cybersecurity issues.
Children must learn to differentiate between the digital world and the real one, and value what surrounds them, rather than focusing on online spaces. While social media will focus more on meaningful interactions and interactive experiences, nothing beats real-world contact.
Final considerations
It can be challenging to say no when your child asks for a smartphone. Whether they want to play games or chat with their friends, owning such a device is becoming increasingly common among young kids. However, this can expose them to risks, since they're not wary of the dangers of the online ecosystem. Therefore, as a parent, you must teach them about the importance of strong passwords, the risks of interacting with strangers, and the tactics fraudsters use.
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