Teach Kids All about Internet Safety
The online revolution has proved to be both beneficial but also inhibiting. Paperback books and crayons have been replaced by the all-engulfing internet, which kids find inviting, amusing and enthralling. Hobbies, pastimes, activities and homework have taken a backseat. As soon as the kids come back from school, they will start firing up their computers and tablets. In today’s world, where manipulation and infringement of privacy is very common, it is imperative for kids to be well prepared with important rules concerning internet safety. It is the parents and teachers’ responsibility to protect the children from internet vulnerability by introducing them to the following online safety rules early in their development
Sanctity of Personal Information
Explain to kids the hazards of giving out personal information without any valid reason or introduction. Sensitive information, such as their last names, home address, school name, and telephone numbers should not be shared with strangers. There are many websites and pages that will not load the next page unless users fill in the information from the list mentioned previously. Teach your kid to be careful with these sites and consult you before sharing the necessary information.
Choose Screen Names Carefully
Make sure your kid selects a username carefully, since it can be seen by the public. Discourage the use of their last name or acronyms of names. Also, ask them to avoid including their date of birth or school name in their virtual identity. Of course, kids are always welcomed to name themselves after their favorite DC Comics characters or personalities they admire. Encourage them to get creative while choosing a screen name, but they must always keep the internet safety tips in mind.
Downloads
Educate kids about the hazards of downloading files from the internet and running an .exe file that is not from a trusted source. Downloading and running files is a risky proposition in the internet space that needs to be handled with more care and suspicion. Instruct them to refrain from opening email attachments without investigating who the sender is, no matter how lucrative the email message or address may appear to be.
Handy Internet Safety Tips for Kids
- Social networking and gaming sites have a minimum age requirement. Always abide by the rules.
- Never respond to bullying. Ask your child to inform you immediately if he or she receives threatening messages or emails from someone.
- Refrain from allowing your kid to buy items online without consulting you.
- Do not click on all the ads on the virtual space. Very often, these ads may contain viruses.
- Don’t post photos without your permission.
